Premier League: Arsenal are Out for Revenge Against Manchester United

Arsenal vs Manchester United

The biggest Premier League match to look forward to this weekend is the one between Arsenal and Manchester United because of its title ramifications.

Arsenal are still leading the standings with 47 points, which is at least five points above the rest, while Manchester United are in third with 39 points.

The Gunners took care of business by beating Spurs in the most recent North London Derby. Meanwhile, the Red Devils missed out on a huge opportunity yesterday when they were held by the Eagles at Selhurst Park.

But Erik ten Hag has bragging rights for being the only manager to have beaten Mikel Arteta this term, and he’ll do himself and everyone a favour if he achieves a league double over the Gunners manager this Sunday night.

Talking Points

Partey time for Arsenal?

Thomas Partey was absent when Arsenal lost to Manchester United in the reverse fixture due to injury, so now he’ll play a huge role when they meet for the second time this season.

Arsenal have yet to lose a match with Partey in action this season, so they would fancy their chances when they host Manchester United on Sunday, who are without Casemiro.

Partey and Casemiro have been compared to each other due to their respective impact on their teams. Partey is normally the one who dictates pace for the Gunners, while Casemiro is the galvanising cog in the Red Devils’ midfield.

The Ghanaian midfielder has won possession 116 times, 28 more than Casemiro, and has a higher passing accuracy (87-per cent) and progressive passes (4.5 per 90 mins). Partey has also created 13 chances so far this term.

He has formed a robust partnership in the midfield with Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard, and he’ll be the x-factor in this contest.

With no fresh injury concerns for Mikel Arteta, Arsenal are going to name an unchanged starting XI from their last victory against Tottenham in the North London Derby.

Manchester United will be without Casemiro

Casemiro will miss the trip to the Emirates after picking up a yellow card in their 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace on Wednesday. The Manchester United enforcer will now serve a one-match ban because this was his fifth booking.

The Brazilian has excelled for Erik ten Hag’s side this season, establishing himself as one of the top signings of the summer transfer window. In his first 27 appearances as a Red Devil, Casemiro has recorded two goals and five assists.

Erik ten Hag is aware that losing Casemiro is going to be a huge challenge for them, but he has noted that they’ve won against Arsenal without the Brazilian ace.

Scott McTominay started alongside Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes in the midfield during the said game, and the Scotland international might get the nod once more, while Fred is another option.

Prior to the draw against Crystal Palace, Manchester United had won nine consecutive matches across all competitions, including their big derby win over perennial rivals Manchester City.

History

The Gunners have won five of their last seven home Premier League games against the Red Devils (D1, L1), including last season when they beat them 3-1 at the Emirates.

The Red Devils are looking to complete their second league double over the Gunners since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. They last did so in 2017-18 under Jose Mourinho.

This is only the third time that Arsenal have hosted Manchester United in a league match while on top of the table. The previous two such meetings ended in draws – 1-1 in March 2004 and 2-2 in November 2007.

Manchester United beat Arsenal 3-1 in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford last September, as Antony scored his debut goal for the club and Marcus Rashford notched a brace in the second half. Bukayo Saka netted the lone goal for Arsenal.

Betting Tip

Arsenal are backed by the SBOTOP Premier League 2023 odds to win. The Gunners are installed at 1.90, while Manchester United are priced at 3.90 in the 1X2 market.

Both sides have notched positive Premier League 2023 results, so something has to give this weekend. We would’ve favoured Manchester United for this one since they’ve already defeated them before, but the suspension of Casemiro is going to be a major loss.

So, in the end, we’re inclined towards recommending a draw @ 3.50 and it’s going to be another high-scoring affair. As alternatives, Total Goals 2-3 @ 1.98 and Over 2.50 @ 1.72 are available. 

 

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