One of the best Premier League fixtures of the season takes place on Monday evening as Manchester United host Arsenal. Both sides have been off the pace in recent weeks, but this would see them given a golden chance to get back to winning ways efficiently.
Match Preview
The pressure on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is beginning to rise, with the performance levels over recent games being far below the standard required. United have only lost once in four, but that defeat was a damaging one at the hands of West Ham United in the league last weekend. United were abject throughout as the Hammers strolled to a 2-0 win. Things didn’t get much better for United in their last outing against Rochdale. The minnows held them before the Red Devils scraped through on penalties. There seems to be something seriously wrong at United, and their lack of attacking options is severely weakening their hopes of a top-four challenge. At this rate, United will be lucky to finish sixth.
The Gunners meanwhile have defensive issues of their own having conceded five in their last two league games against Watford and Aston Villa. Fortunately for Emery though the Gunners were able to record a win last time out against the Villa. They twice came back from behind to level through Nicolas Pepe and Callum Chambers, before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang wrapped up the win in the final five minutes. Defensively they have been poor though, and that’s been their Achilles heel. They will have to strengthen at the back otherwise they will be made to wait for another season without Champions League football. Emery isn’t under as much pressure as Solskjaer, but another run of poor results could mean that the wolves could be out for him before it’s too long.
Head to Head
Manchester United hold the dominant record over the Gunners having won on 99 occasions, compared to Arsenal’s 83 wins. There have also been 48 draws in this fixture. The Gunners won the last meeting between the two sides 2-0. United fought back for a draw in the fixture earlier in the season at Old Trafford, while Solskjaer also recorded a comfortable 3-1 win in the FA Cup at the Emirates in the second half of the season.
Manchester United Team News
Mason Greenwood will likely lead the line for United with Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford both missing. Meanwhile, Eric Bailly and Luke Shaw remain longer injury concerns.
Arsenal Team News
Ainsley Maitland-Niles will be missing for the Gunners as he serves his suspension for the red card he picked up against Aston Villa. Meanwhile, Alexandre Lacazette is unlikely to feature.
Tip
Manchester United are the 1.31 favourites with BetXChange to win the match, but it is incredibly hard to back the Red Devils judging from their recent form. Meanwhile, the Gunners have had a terrible record at Old Trafford at recent seasons and haven’t won there in the league since 2006. It should be a high scoring match, but the spoils will likely be shared.
Tip: Manchester United and Arsenal to draw at 2.62 with BetXChange.
