Arsenal vs Manchester United
Meetings between these sides have defined so much of the Premier League era and, while this time around the stakes are not as high as both have experienced in the past, there is still plenty at stake.
In the 200th league meeting between the sides, only one point separates the teams in fourth and fifth position with both striving for the potentially lucrative carrot that fourth spot holds – a place in next season’s Champions League.
In the week in which Manchester United produced magic in Paris to reach this season’s quarter-finals, it’s back to the bread and butter of league action and a contest which is no less important.
Arsenal, meanwhile, had a night to forget in their own European encounter but, again, that first leg defeat will count for little when this kicks off at the Emirates Stadium.
Talking Points
There’s a certain irony that, after their December clash at Old Trafford, the first meeting since 1986 in which neither the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson nor Arsene Wenger had been involved, there is now another new incumbent in the United hotseat.
Both new men in charge are doing pretty well.
Unai Emery has generally lifted spirits at Arsenal. Despite not strengthening greatly from the squad he inherited from Wenger last summer, they do seem to have found a new spark at times, albeit they remain suspect mentally and defensively on occasions.
Had Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang not seen a late penalty saved by Hugo Lloris in last week’s North London derby, it would be Arsenal, not United, sitting in fourth place.
Their 1-1 draw at Wembley did, however, show the tactical talents of Emery and he will be keen to guide his side back to winning ways.
The Gunners will be without the suspended midfielder Lucas Torreira, sent-off deep in stoppage time in that game. As well as long-term absentees Danny Welbeck, Rob Holding and Hector Bellerin.
United are in the midst of an injury crisis with no fewer than 10 players (including the suspended Paul Pogba) absent, a factor which made their midweek victory in France even more remarkable.
Pogba will be back this weekend, while Anthony Martial may be also fit to return.
Both men played a key part in United’s cup triumph at Arsenal six weeks ago, and their inclusion would give interim boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a major boost.
United have won all nine away games they have played since Solskjaer was appointed in mid-December. Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 14 home league games, winning 12 of them including the last eight.
Something has to give.
This will be one to watch!
History
This will be the third clash between the clubs in as many months.
In early December, they shared four goals at Old Trafford in a match Arsenal were unfortunate not to win.
In January, United turned on the style with a clinical attacking and dogged defensive display to win at the Emirates in their FA Cup, albeit on a night when the hosts had awful luck with defensive injuries.
Last season, United enjoyed a memorable league double over Arsenal with a 3-1 victory in this corresponding fixture – a match in which David De Gea was magnificent – and a 2-1 home win against a weakened Arsenal team in the closing stages of Wenger’s reign.
These two teams have met 53 times in the Premier League era, with United leading 24-13 in terms of victories. There have been 16 draws.
Overall United have won 99 of their clashes with Arsenal winning 82 and 48 draws.
Betting Tip
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Arsenal vs. Manchester United | Asian Handicap Man Utd 0.00 @ 2.26 |
| March 11, 12:30(GMT+8) |
Arsenal are favourites on home soil against a United side expected to be drained following their midweek exertions.
It’s worth remembering, of course, that Arsenal played 24 hours after United.
1X2 odds have the Gunners @ 2.38 and United @ 2.89.
The draw is offered @ 3.30.
A repeat of the 2-2 draw in December will payout @ 11.00 with correct score, while 1-1 is available @ 6.40.
These games produce goals more often than not and total goal 2-3 @ 2.00 and total goal 4-6 @ 2.82 have a real appeal.
Over 3.00 goals comes in @ 2.13.
In contrast, correct score 0-0 is available @ 14.50 and total goal 0-1 @ 4.40. The last time the sides played out a goalless draw was in February 2014 at the Emirates.
If Asian Handicap betting is your preferred route, look at the -0.50 Arsenal @ 2.38.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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