Prediction: Manchester United vs Arsenal

Verdict: Manchester United to Win

Best Odds: 4/9

Bookmakers: Bet 365

Manchester United welcome Arsenal to Old Trafford for a high-profile clash between two Premier League sides with a lot of history. The Red Devils are looking to secure second spot in the table and a win here would help them in that quest. The Gunners meanwhile could still finish fifth ahead of Chelsea but at this point they are mostly playing for pride and relying on the Europa League as a way into next year’s Champions League.

Manchester United

The Red Devils have had a hugely successful season, despite their frustrations at not putting up more of a challenge for the title, and they look set to secure second spot, in addition to their place in the final of the FA Cup. Following the shock defeat to West Brom a few weeks ago, Jose Mourinho’s men have won back-to-back games against Bournemouth and Tottenham, which will have helped to restore the players’ confidence and get them back in the winning mind-set. With just six Premier League defeats all season it would be a surprise to see Manchester United drop any more points.

Statistically United have been imperious, scoring 65 top flight goals and conceding just 26, and Mourinho has always had a reputation for being able to grind out results, especially in the big games. The Red Devils dismantled Arsenal 1-3 at the Emirates earlier in the season and they are clearly the better team on paper. With so much upheaval and disappointment pervading this Gunners team it would be a surprise to see anything but a United win.

Team News

Jose Mourinho has an entirely fit squad to call upon this weekend other than reserve goalkeeper Sergio Romero, who has a knock.

Arsenal 

While Manchester United have been one of the most reliable and consistent teams in the Premier League this season, Arsenal have been anything but dependable. Arsene Wenger, who recently announced that this will be his last season at the North London club, has led his side to 17 wins and 11 defeats, with 66 goals scored and a whopping 46 conceded. That latter tally is the one that will most worry the Arsenal faithful, not least because it means they have leaked nine more goals than any other side in the top seven.

A quick look at their recent form goes a long way towards explaining why Arsenal are currently sitting down in sixth, 11 points behind their eternal rivals Tottenham, who occupy the final Champions League spot. Of their last eight top flight games the Gunners have lost four and won four – a run that has included defeats to Newcastle and Brighton. Until they can sort out their consistency, which may well be next season now, it is difficult to see Arsenal competing at the very top again.

Team News

Arsene Wenger will likely be without Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who has a knee injury, Mohamed Elneny due to an ankle issue and Santi Cazorla, who is still side-lined with an achilles injury.

Key Factors to Consider

• Manchester United have lost just six Premier League games this season.
• The Red Devils have also scored 65 goals and conceded just 26.
• Arsenal have lost 11 games in the league this season.
• The Gunners have also conceded a whopping 46 goals during this campaign.
• The last meeting between these two sides ended in a 1-3 away win for Manchester United.

Conclusion

Manchester United have been an incredibly consistent and reliable team this season, grinding out results in ways that only Jose Mourinho sides are capable of. Arsenal meanwhile have been the opposite – disappointing, erratic and downright awful at times. The Gunners have very little to play for, while United want a second place finish, so I can’t see anything other than a home win here.

Verdict: Manchester United to Win

Best Odds: 4/9

Bookmakers: Bet 365