Prediction: Arsenal vs Manchester United

Verdict: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: Unibet

In what is a real showdown for this season’s top-four race, Arsenal will welcome Manchester United to the Emirates on Saturday lunchtime.

Arsenal

Starting with the hosts, while Arsenal might have endured a very public struggle when returning from March’s international break, the Gunners really came roaring back earlier in the week. Laying down what was a shock marker when they made the trip to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night, Mikel Arteta’s men stormed their way to a shock 4-2 romp in north London. With the mood in their camp likely to be at a new-found high when they return to the Emirates here, Pep Guardiola’s former right-hand man has his sights set on securing a top-four finish this season. Opening Saturday’s showdown with only their goal difference stopping them from climbing into the Champions League spots, Arsenal will now be looking to draw a line under their back-to-back defeats on home soil. While the Gunners might have been hit with an action-packed 3-2 loss when they made the trip to Old Trafford back on December 2nd, Saturday’s hosts should be smelling the chance to lay down a marker here.

Team News

Bagging a brace against Chelsea earlier in the week, England U21 striker Eddie Nketiah is likely to lead Arsenal’s line here.

Likewise, also impressing at Stamford Bridge, the duo of Rob Holding and Mohamed Elneny will be hoping to keep their places.

Manchester United

As for the visitors, while Manchester United might have managed to pick up a hard-fought 3-2 win against leading relegation scrappers Norwich last weekend, the Reds immediately came crashing back down to earth. Putting in a woeful display away at title contenders Liverpool, Ralf Rangnick’s men were hit with a woeful 4-0 drumming against their bitter rivals. With the former RB Leipzig boss only coming under more scrutiny, the former Premier League champions are now in a real uphill battle to clinch a top-four finish. Knowing that they face a tough test when they travel to north London on Saturday lunchtime, United have now managed to win just a pair of their last nine matchups across all formats. With their recent nightmare run of form stemming all the way back to February 20th, the Reds have also continued to show a host of issues away from Old Trafford. It should be highlighted, including a 4-1 defeat against Manchester City, Rangnick’s side have lost their last three Premier League away fixtures.

Team News

Limping off in the first-half against Liverpool earlier in the week, Paul Pogba will miss out at the Emirates on Saturday.

However, in a boost for Manchester United, the trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Scott McTominay returned to training earlier in the week.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Saturday’s opponents faced off at Old Trafford back in December, Manchester United picked up a 3-2 win.
• However, Arsenal have taken seven points from their last three Premier League meetings against the Reds on home soil.
• The Gunners’ 4-2 win against Chelsea in midweek brought an end to their three-match losing run.
• Manchester United have managed to win just a pair of their last nine matchups across all formats.
• Likewise, the Reds have also lost each of their last three Premier League away fixtures by an aggregate score of 9-1.

Conclusion

Managing to storm their way to a stunning 4-2 win away at Chelsea earlier in the week, there is no doubt that Arsenal should be smelling the chance to lay down another marker here. With many tipping them to be in pole position to book a Champions League return this season, Saturday’s hosts should be looking to cash in on a downbeat Manchester United squad. Suffering a woeful 4-0 drumming away at title contenders Liverpool a few days ago, the Reds are in the midst of a real nightmare. Losing each of their last three Premier League matchups away from Old Trafford by an aggregate score of 9-1, we’re backing a home victory that can be found at attractive odds here.

Verdict: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: Unibet