Prediction: Manchester United vs Arsenal

28th August 2011

Not so long ago, clashes between the two teams were not only a joy to watch but were extremely unpredictable as well, however, these encounters have recently turned into one-sided affairs, especially at Old Trafford. United have beaten Arsenal in seven of their last eight games and are now looking to extend the good run.

With Paul Scholes and Edwin van der Sar retiring, and Ryan Giggs nearing the end of his career, Sir Alex Ferguson had no choice but to completely rejuvenate the squad this summer and he seems to have done a very good job. Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck have slotted right into the starting line-up after returning from their loan spells at Wigan and Sunderland, whereas new signings David De Gea, Ashley Young and Phil Jones are on the road to become important players for the years to come. United were far from impressive in their opening game at Hawthorns, but still managed to record an important win against the team that are likely to cause other title contenders a lot of problems at their own ground. Sir Alex Ferguson’s men then showed a lot of improvement to beat Tottenham at Old Trafford and now have a great chance to beat their fierce rivals and return to the top of the standings. The Red Devils will be looking for their third successive win without Nemanja Vidic and Rafael da Silva, but Fergie is hoping Rio Ferdinand will be fit to play.

Things are not looking good for Arsenal at the moment and it appears that not even the Champions League victory over Udinese have improved the atmosphere in the club. Arsenal fans have every right to be angry with Wenger as the Frenchman wasn’t able to keep hold of star players Fabregas, Nasri and Clichy, while he also failed to considerably reinforce the squad, although Gervinho is already looking like a great buy. With traditional injury problems making things even more complicated, it is no wonder that the Gunners have largely struggled at the start of the season, and they obviously have little to hope for before the trip to Old Trafford. The midfield area will be looking pretty thin with Wilshire, Song, Frimpong and Diaby all unavailable, whereas Gervinho and Gibbs also miss out. Thomas Vermaelen is an injury doubt and if he fails to make the starting line-up, Arsenal will be destined for defeat.

Conclusion

Manchester United are slowly raising their form and with Javier Hernandez back to the side, the Red Devils should be even more lethal than in their opening games. Arsenal, on the other hand, are all over the place at the moment, and they will have to wait some more before recording much needed morale boosting victory.

Verdict: Home win Manchester United (1)

Best Odds: 1.50 (1/2)

Bookmaker: Paddy Power