Prediction: Arsenal vs Manchester United

1st May 2011

Not even a win over Manchester United would help Arsenal save this season, but the Gunners will, nevertheless, try to beat their rivals and cement the third place in the standings. Chelsea’s controversial victory over Tottenham put extra pressure on Red Devils, with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side needing a win to keep the six-point advantage before they host Chelsea next weekend.

It is now clear that Arsenal will finish the sixth consecutive season without a trophy, which is why the fans are calling for changes. Arsene Wenger is under constant pressure and there are some reports that the Frenchman could be sacked at the end of the season, with all the media hype having a negative effect on the squad. With the weekend’s defeat to Bolton ending Gunners’ title hopes, the players will not have any special motivation in the remaining games, although there is no doubt they will give their best to beat United and thus prove everyone they have what it takes to fight for honours. That is easier said than done since Arsenal have been laying without confidence over the last few weeks and after winning just one of their last nine games, the Gunners are unlikely to show a massive improvement against high-flying United. Thomas Rosicky could be in contention after recovering from illness, but Thomas Vermaelen is a couple of weeks away from making his return. Diaby, Mannone, Fabianski and Bartley remain sidelined.

Manchester United may not have been everyone’s main candidate for the league title before the season started, but Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have been really impressive throughout the league campaign and are now very close to securing the fourth Premiership title in five years. As usual, United have hit top form at the crucial stage of the season, with some impressive showings helping them create a six-point cushion in the Premier League as well as ensure the place in the Champions League final at Wembley. Following the 2:0 away win over Schalke, United can fully focus on the match at the Emirates and try ton restore the six-point lead over Chelsea. Paul Scholes serves the final match of his three-game ban, while Darren Fletcher and Owen Hargreaves remain sidelined. Fergie is expected to make some changes to the starting line-up, with Dimitar Berbatov pushing for the starting place after recovering from a groin injury.

Conclusion

Arsenal players are completely out of confidence and are struggling to cope with the heavy pressure after it became clear they will not be winning any trophies this season. The Red Devils, on the other hand, are on top of their game at the moment and should have enough in them to win this match.

Verdict: Away win Manchester United (2)

Best Odds: 19/10

Bookmaker: William Hill