Prediction: Arsenal vs Manchester United

Verdict: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Luckster

With all eyes falling on north London on Wednesday night, Arsenal will welcome Manchester United to the Emirates for what is a heavyweight Premier League showdown.

Arsenal

Starting with the hosts, while Arsenal might have entered November’s international break in the midst of a wobble, the Gunners have come roaring back in some style. Laying down quite the marker on Saturday evening as they stormed their way to a 5-2 romp away at West Ham, Mikel Arteta’s men have turned a real corner over the past fortnight. Putting in a sensational Champions League performance last week as they claimed a 5-1 victory against Sporting Lisbon, they have now won each of their previous three appearances across all competitions by an aggregate 13-3. Marking their return from November’s fortnight break with a routine 3-0 win at home against Nottingham Forest, the Gunners have certainly found a major clinical edge in the final third. Likewise, despite their inconsistencies outside of north London, Arteta’s squad have not suffered a single defeat in front of their own supporters since the middle of April.

Team News

While Brazilian defender Gabriel might have been taken off at half-time against West Ham over the weekend, that was simply a precaution and the 26-year-old is free to feature from the start. However, missing out at the London Stadium on Saturday evening, Ghana international Thomas Partey remains a doubt in midweek.

Likewise, not featuring since returning from November’s international break, Ben White faces a lengthy stint on the sidelines and will play no part on Wednesday night. Converting from the penalty spot in east London and already recording 15 direct Premier League goal contributions, Bukayo Saka will be looking to extend on his recent romp.

Manchester United

As for the visitors, really getting Ruben Amorim’s tenure underway over the weekend as they stormed their way t a 4-0 romp against Everton, Manchester United will be desperate to use that performance as a platform to build on. However, while the Red Devils might have continued to shine with their performances at Old Trafford, it is no secret that they have gained a reputation for their glaring issues on the road. Last seen away from the red half of Manchester playing out a 1-1 stalemate away at relegation scrappers Ipswich, United have remarkably won just one of their first eight showdowns on their travels across all competitions. Likewise, hit with a 1-0 loss when they last met Arsenal back in May, they should be concerned by a nightmare record against their arch-rivals. In fact, Amorim’s new squad have lost four of their previous five Premier League battles against the Gunners.

Team News

Both picking up costly bookings against Everton over the weekend, Manchester United will be unable to call upon the duo of Lisandro Martinez and England International Kobbie Mainoo. Picking up a muscle injury while away with Sweden during November’s international break, Victor Lindelof remains on the sidelines.

However, making a timely return to Amorim’s squad on Sunday afternoon and making a cameo appearance off the bench, former skipper Harry Maguire could be handed a full return. Bagging a Premier League brace at Old Trafford, Joshua Zirkzee will be hoping to keep his spot leading the line.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Arsenal and Manchester United last met for a Premier League showdown on May 12th, the Gunners collected a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.
• In fact, Arsenal have collected 12 points from their previous five Premier League meetings against Wednesday’s guests.
• Manchester United have recorded just a single victory from any of their first eight appearances away from Old Trafford.
• Arsenal have not suffered a single defeat at the Emirates across any competition since the middle of April.
• England international Bukayo Saka has recorded 15 goal contributions in his first 12 Premier League appearances this season.

Conclusion

Storming their way to what was a pulsating 5-2 victory away at West Ham over the weekend, Arsenal have continued to shine since returning from November’s international break. Now winning each of their last three appearances by an aggregate score of 13-2, the Gunners have also found quite the clinical edge in the final third. Likewise, landing a 1-0 win when they last met their historic rivals back on May 12th, they hold a dominant record against Wednesday’s guests. Collecting 12 points from their previous five Premier League showdowns against Manchester United, we are expecting a similar outcome in north London.

Verdict: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Luckster