Manchester United vs Arsenal
It takes something to knock Manchester United- Liverpool clashes off top billing in English football but, for the best part of a decade, games between United and Arsenal largely did just that.
That was a time when this was the definitive fixture in Premier League history.
It was a period when the two clubs were the undisputed top dogs in England and the clashes reflected that on a gargantuan scale.
So did the trophy haul with the sides claiming every league title for nine years in a row (United six, Arsenal three).
Recent times have not been so kind, particularly for United.
However, optimists among both fan bases believe they are, slowly, heading in the right direction once again.
This Sunday’s teatime clash at Old Trafford should be fascinating in that regard and also because something has to give – either United’s winning run of three straight victories after a humiliating start to the campaign, or Arsenal’s 100 per cent record which sees them head into the weekend top of the table.
Perhaps more tellingly, it may also outline just what both teams can sustain this term after disappointing fifth and sixth place finishes last year saw them well adrift of the main protagonists.
Talking Points
It has been a perfect start to the season for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal who stood out to me in the way they despatched Sevilla at the end of July.
Sure, it was just a friendly but they performed in such a swift and emphatic way to render the contest over inside 20 minutes.
They have since followed that up with five league wins out of five, the latest on Wednesday night when a late Gabriel Magalhães goal saw off Aston Villa.
It wasn’t so much the fact they beat lacklustre opponents who they carved open at will.
It was more that, within three minutes of conceding an equaliser, they had displayed the character to regain the lead and stay top of the early standings.
It also meant Arsenal have won their opening five league matches for the first time since the 2004-05 campaign, when they went on to finish as runners-up.
By contrast, United were actually pointless after their opening two matches, conceding six goals in the process and generally embarrassed (at home to Brighton) and humiliated (away to Brentford).
What followed was a home humbling of their arch rivals, followed by hard-earned victories at Southampton and Leicester which means the Red Devils go into this encounter in a buoyant spirit.
Another incentive for them on Sunday would be to win successive home league games for the first time this calendar year – a record which shows just how grim it has been.
They could hand new £80 million signing Antony his debut and Casemiro his first home outing, although Erik Tan Hag may be reluctant to change a wining team.
Striker Anthony Martial remains out due to an Achilles problem.
For Arsenal, bidding to keep a clean sheet in their first three away league games for only their second time in their history (emulating Bruce Rioch’s side in 1995-96), Aaron Ramsdale and captain Martin Odegaard will be monitored after both were hurt in the 2-1 win against Villa.
Oleksandr Zinchenko is a doubt because of the knee problem that has ruled him out of the Gunners’ last two games.
Reiss Nelson, Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny remain sidelined.
It appears key men will be missing on both sides but plenty will be playing and, with renewed optimism in both camps, this could be a compelling encounter full of Premier League highlights.
History
As it stands, United have won just one of the last eight meetings – a 3-2 home victory last season when Cristiano Ronaldo netted twice and Bruno Fernandes the other in an exciting contest. It was the third and final game in which Michael Carrick had taken charge in between the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the arrival of interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
They replied through Emile Smith Rowe and Odegaard.
However, the Gunners have lost 17 Premier League matches away to United, more than against any other opponent.
Indeed, Arsenal’s only win in their last 15 Premier League games at Old Trafford was a 1-0 victory in November 2020.
They did win the return game at the Emirates in April when Nuno Tavares, Bukayo Saka (penalty) and Granit Xhaka found the net for the home side with Ronaldo, who else, replying for the visitors.
Overall, Ronaldo has scored nine goals versus the Gunners, who could become the 20th different opponent he reaches double figures against in his career for club and country.
The two clubs have faced each other 237 times in total. United have won 100 to Arsenal’s 86 and 50 matches have ended in a draw.
Betting Tip
The SBOTOP Premier League betting odds edge towards the hosts by the narrowest of margins, both 1X2 @ 2.54 and Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 2.28.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are priced 1X2 @ 2.63 and Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 2.33 with the 1X2 Draw on offer @ 3.40. A repeat of last year’s 3-2 home win will pay out @ 24.00 with Correct Score. However, I am going to opt for a ** prediction of total goal 2-3 @ 1.98.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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