Man Utd vs Arsenal: Preview and Prediction

Wednesday 5th December 2018

Man Utd vs Arsenal: Preview and Prediction

England Premier League
Wednesday 5th December 2018
Kick off at 8pm GMT
Venue: Old Trafford

Match Preview:

The game of the midweek matches in the Premier League will see two old great foes go head to head when Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United side will take on Unai Emery’s Arsenal at Old Trafford in what should be a mouthwatering game of football.

Manchester United won’t be winning the league this season that is clear and that has to be a disappointment as the Red Devils seem to have dropped backwards since last seasons runner up position. Coming into this game they are in 8th place and a massive 19 points behind Manchester City. But that is only one part of the problem and the club are 8 points adrift of 4th place alone and a Champions League finish.

United haven’t won a game in their last 3 in the league after a defeat to Manchester City followed by two draws against Crystal Palace and Southampton, two teams with all due respect we would believe United should be beating with the money spent on players. Let’s not pretend, United have been incredibly underwhelming this season.

At least at Old Trafford they have lost just once this season but still 2 of their last 4 matches here have ended in draws. It won’t help team morale that Mourinho may have called Paul Pogba a virus, that is the last thing anyone wants and the United coach also travelled home alone, we mean to his hotel after the 2-2 draw against Southampton which saw Mark Hughes sacked.

Arsenal have gone 19 games in all competitions unbeaten. In the league we have to go back to August since the Gunners last lost a game. They have been a revelation under Unai Emery which was underlined at the weekend when they beat Tottenham 4-2.

The team come here in great confidence and a win away to United would confirm Emery has arrived at the club in style. They are in 4th place and could go 3rd if they win and Chelsea lose or draw. Arsenal’s away form has been brilliant where they have won 4 out of their last 5 games and have won 13 points from their last 15 available. Over the last 10 games Arsenal have won 24 points and it is worthwhile noting that they would be in 2nd place over this period of time.

 

Team News:

Manchester United: Eric Bailly will be assessed ahead of the game as he has a back injury. Matteo Darmain could also return to the squad after a minor knock. Lindelof looks like he is out for the rest of 2018 so is Alexis Sanchez. Romelu Lukaku has a knock as does Luke Shaw but these look to be just minor and they should both play. Ashley Young is out suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season.

Arsenal: Mesut Ozil is suffering with a back spasm but there is optimism that the midfielder could return for this game and will be assessed. Granit Xhaka will miss this game through suspension after picking up five yellow cards.

 

Man Utd vs Arsenal Head to Head:

Last season Manchester United won 2-1.

Arsenal have not won at Old Trafford in the league since 2006.

Arsenal have just 1 win in the league in the past 5 meetings.

4 of the last 5 meetings have ended with both teams to score.

 

Man Utd vs Arsenal Prediction:

Arsenal have a poor record here but times have changed. Arsenal are playing so well and United so poor that this game looks like a mismatch. Arsenal come here with a lot of confidence and whilst there is some lagging doubts about the back four and the way Arsenal play a high game, they have the quality to severely punish United.

Mourinho has to realise this and has to play a very defensive minded game. It is sad to think that United may have to adopt a protective game and United now look like a side afraid to lose. Of course they have the team on the right day to beat Arsenal, but that doesn’t seem likely with what we have seen so far this season.

 

Man Utd vs Arsenal Betting Tips:

Draw no bet (Arsenal) at 2.10

Both teams to score at 1.50

Over 2.5 goals at 1.57

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