Prediction: Arsenal vs Manchester United

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Unibet

In what could turn out to be a crucial showdown from the Emirates on Sunday afternoon, Arsenal will welcome Manchester United to north London.

Arsenal

Starting with the hosts, last seen putting in another stellar display as they claimed north London bragging rights thanks to a 2-0 victory away at Tottenham, Arsenal are on course for what could be a history-making campaign at the Emirates. While Mikel Arteta’s youngsters would have been frustrated after watching Manchester City secure a remarkable second-half comeback against Spurs in midweek, the Gunners still hold a five-point buffer over the defending champions. Continuing to gain a string of plaudits on either side of the World Cup break, Arteta’s side have suffered just a single Premier League defeat this season. With that sole loss coming in a 3-1 defeat at Old Trafford on September 4th, there is no doubt that Arsenal will be seeking some crucial revenge on Sunday afternoon. Likewise, signing off 2022 with an action-packed 4-2 win away at a high-flying Brighton, the Gunners gained a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring displays in the final third.

Team News

While Gabriel Jesus might be recovering well from a long-term knee injury, the Brazilian international is still several weeks away from featuring. Likewise, Reiss Nelson will not play any part here as the 23-year-old deals with a hamstring issue.

Arteta could be tempted to name the same starting XI that claimed a 2-0 victory in last weekend’s north London derby.

Manchester United

As for the visitors, eventually suffering last-gasp heartbreak away at Selhurst Park earlier in the week, Manchester United will be seeking an immediate response here. Nevertheless, despite being last seen playing out a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace, Erik ten Hag’s side should find the mood in their camp at a real high. Only continuing to shine since returning from the World Cup’s winter break, some around Old Trafford have their sights set on a title charge during the second-half of the season. Mounting that stunning late comeback last weekend as they clinched Manchester bragging rights thanks to a 2-1 victory on home soil, the former Ajax boss will be desperate for a repeat performance in north London. Opening this weekend’s fixture sat eight points adrift of their historic rivals, ten Hag will be seeking some recent resolve at the back. It should be highlighted, the former Premier League champions have failed to record a clean sheet in their last three showdowns against top-flight opposition.

Team News

Picking up what was a costly late booking in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park, Manchester United will be without midfield talisman Casemiro this weekend as the 30-year-old serves a one-match suspension.

Likewise, ten Hag’s men will once again be without the likes of Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek, Diogo Dalot and Axel Tuanzabe in north London.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two English giants last faced off back on September 4th, Manchester United picked up a 3-1 victory at Old Trafford.
• However, that 3-1 loss away from the Emirates is the only Primer League defeat that Arsenal have suffered so far this season.
• The Gunners have scored 42 Premier League strikes so far this season – a tally that is only surpassed by Manchester City (50).
• Manchester United are unbeaten on domestic duties since a 3-1 loss away at Aston Villa on November 6th.
• However, the Red Devils have failed to record a clean sheet in their last three meetings against top-flight opposition.

Conclusion

Hit with that 3-1 loss away at Old Trafford back in September and the only blip on their remarkable record this season, Arsenal will be seeking some crucial revenge on Sunday afternoon. Two sides who will undoubtedly find the mood in their camps at a real high, neutrals will be hoping for an action-packed affair from north London. In what could be a season-defining meeting at the Emirates, the two former champions do have a habit of producing fireworks. It should be noted, with each of their last three meetings finishing with both teams finding the net, we’re back a similar outcome from the capital.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Unibet