Manchester United FC
Arsenal FC
Arsenal FC
Huge clash between Manchester United and Arsenal with both sides needing victory
Manchester United to win 2-0
Manchester United have shown in their previous few matches, particularly in the Champions League, how well they have managed to recover from the humiliating defeat at home to Tottenham.
They rebounded quickly by thrashing Newcastle which was then followed by back to back wins against tough European opponents PSG and RB Leipzig.
A 0-0 draw against Chelsea last weekend was uninspiring but showed that they have worked on solidifying their defence.
Arsenal started the season the better of the two teams, charging into the top four after winning three of their first four matches. They have since dipped in form, picking up just three points from 12 available.
Games between these two are always great events, both challenging for silverware on a regular basis in the past.
For now, both are desperate for a win to propel them up the table.
Form Guide (all comps): LWWDW
Reasons to be cheerful:
Unbeaten in four since Spurs defeat
Marcus Rashford is in fantastic form
Reasons to be fearful:
League form has not been consistent enough
Selection issues for the manager to deal with
Since losing to Tottenham last month, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team have scored 11 goals in four games, conceding only twice during that time.
His side are certainly coming into this game in better form than Arsenal, though must translate that confidence into Premier League points – they have only seven after five matches so far.
Selection issues are causing a pleasant problem for Ole, with the likes of Pogba, Fernandes, Mata, McTominay, Fred, Matic and new boy Donny Van Der Beek all competing for limited places.
He will be hoping to get the best out of them.
Anthony Martial will sit the game out, completing his three-match suspension, while new signing Alex Telles misses out after contracting Covid-19.
You feel that if United are really positive here, they could turn over this Arsenal team in style.
Star Man – Marcus Rashford
Performing as well on the pitch as he is off it currently – his hat-trick in midweek will give him great confidence.
Form Guide (all comps): WLWLW
Reasons to be cheerful
Winger Willian is fit again after injury
Europa League victory will give them some confidence
Reasons to be fearful
Aubameyang has only one goal in six matches
David Luiz likely to miss out through injury
The form of these two sides has almost flipped from a month or so ago.
While Arsenal started the season brilliantly, Manchester United were poor and lucky to pick up the win which they did against Brighton.
Since last month’s International break, Arsenal have rather struggled and have dropped down to 11th place. Key striker Aubameyang has found it harder of late, only netting once in the last six matches.
Manager Arteta will hope that by resting a number of players during the midweek Europa League fixture, their key men will be fit and ready to go this weekend.
One positive is that Arsenal will have already played three out of the top six after this game, in theory leaving easier matches to come.
Star Man – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Has not been at his best lately, but always seems to come alive in the big games.
Whichever side is more positive will win this
United are in better form and are likely to be favourites
Arsenal will try to pick United off on the counter-attack
If Manchester United learned anything from their 0-0 draw against Chelsea last weekend, it’s that they should have been more positive.
If they had, they would likely have come away with all three points.
Marcus Rashford is in great form currently and could well get on the scoresheet again. Arsenal will miss the injured David Luiz at the back.
United should claim all three points here.
Manchester United to win 2-0
