England Premier League
Thursday 2nd December 2021
Kick off at 8:15pm GMT
Venue: Old Trafford
Match Preview:
Even though both sides are not the powerhouses they once were this is still a fantastic fixture and a wonderful rivalry full of world class players and all eyes will be on this Premier League match on Thursday evening.
Manchester United have been in the news as they sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after almost 3 years in charge. Michael Carrick stepped in to oversee a few games but the club have announced the appointment of Ralf Rangnick the experienced manager from Germany.
It is unclear if Rangnick will be in the dug out for this game, though the club are hoping that his work permit will be rushed through and it would be an added bonus for the players to have Rangnick at the stadium. He is expected to be in charge of United until at least the end of the season.
Since the sacking of Solskjaer United have won 1 and drawn 1 that came with victory over Villarreal by 2-0 in the Champions League away from home and a 1-1 draw against Chelsea. The draw against the league leaders was seen as a great result for the club who through their travails were expected to come up short in that game.
United are in 8th place but with 18 points are just 5 points adrift of a top four place so not all is lost for the club. At home the theatre of dreams has been turned into the theatre of nightmares with 50% of games lost so far and United would be 15th place based on home form alone. The Red Devils have not won at home since Cristiano Ronaldo’s return against Newcastle in September.
Arsenal have really improved since September and have been a solid side. True they were beaten 4-0 by Liverpool a few weeks ago but at the end of the day we have to admit that the Gunners are no longer in that elite group anymore and losing like that away to Liverpool is going to happen. Take out that defeat though and Arsenal have been one of the most in form sides in the league.
This past weekend Mikel Arteta’s side beat Newcastle 2-0 and that means they come into this game with four wins from their last five. Presently the Gunners are 5 points ahead of United so there is a lot to play for here and if Arsenal could get a win they would significantly move away from United. Away form has been patchy for Arsenal though with 2 wins so far and they have one win from their past three trips.
Team News:
Manchester United: Edinson Cavani is a doubt with his tendon but has been making progress but is only 50/50 to make this game. Luke Shaw will be assessed after his recent head injury. Paul Pogba is out with his thigh, Raphael Varane was pencilled in to return for this game but there has been no updates on his hamstring and he could likely miss out.
Arsenal: Sead Kolasinac has an ankle injury and looks likely to miss out once again. Bukayo Saka has a muscle injury but it isn’t thought to be serious and he is in contention to play. Granit Xhaka is a long term injury and isn’t expected back for another six weeks with his knee injury.
Man Utd vs Arsenal Head to Head:
Last season Arsenal won this fixture 1-0.
It’s been 4 games since Manchester United have tasted a win over Arsenal at home.
The last five meetings in a row have all seen under 2.5 goals.
Man Utd vs Arsenal Prediction:
This should be quite an occasion as there will be a buzz in the air about Rangnick taking charge and a sense of a new chapter in United’s history. It does feel like it has been a long overdue win for United at home and we will be backing them to do so. We all know about the attacking quality that United possess and if the players can feel some what rejuvenated with different tactics so early on it could pay dividends here.
At the back of Arsenal’s minds will be their last trip up north and the 4-0 battering from Liverpool and even though it doesn’t seem to have affected the teams mental strength they will be all too aware that they are facing a top side and an old enemy away from home.
Ronaldo will want to shine again and we should also back him to score, and the way Arsenal will play should suit United and Rangnick to get off to a great start.
Man Utd vs Arsenal Betting Tips:
Manchester United to beat Arsenal at 1.91
Anytime goalscorer: Cristaino Ronaldo at 2.10
Over 2.5 goals at 1.72
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