Premier League: Old Trafford Awaits Rangnick Arrival as Arsenal Loom

Manchester United vs Arsenal

Manchester United are still waiting to see whether newly appointed interim manager Ralf Rangnick can make his Premier League debut this midweek when the Red Devils take on Arsenal.

The German still has some visa issues to sort out, which puts his presence on the Old Trafford touchline in some doubt.

Regardless of Rangnick’s attendance, his Red Devils’ confidence should be boosted by a couple of good results under caretaker boss Michael Carrick.

But despite the Premier League 2021 betting odds favouring United, the Gunners should not be underestimated as they continue to show some promising form under Mikel Arteta.

Talking Points

Will United’s new manager bounce continue?

Manchester United are still waiting for new interim manager Ralf Rangnick’s arrival as he continues to sort through work permit issues.

But even without Rangnick on the touchline, United’s new manager bounce continued under interim-to-the-interim Michael Carrick. After their morale-boosting win over Villarreal in the Champions League, United then held Premier League leaders Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Carrick has made several changes to both formation and personnel in his two games in charge as he tries to fix United’s issues, particularly in defence. Although, they are still conceding a number of chances and are relying on the in-form David de Gea to keep them in the game.

Captain Harry Maguire is set to return to the backline after his one-game suspension, but it remains to be seen whether his presence will make too much of a difference given his subpar form thus far this season.

Does Cristiano Ronaldo return to the starting lineup?

Perhaps Carrick’s biggest call during his in charge was to drop Cristiano Ronaldo against Chelsea and start with Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho up front. That move, which looked to use Rashford’s and Sancho’s pace on the counterattack, paid off in the end as Sancho capitalised on Jorginho’s mistake to give United the lead.

After a rough start to his United career, Sancho is finally coming good and has scored in each of Carrick’s two games in charge.

It remains to be seen whether Ronaldo will return to the starting lineup against Arsenal, who showed in their 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool that they are quite vulnerable to the press.

With Ronaldo looking increasingly ineffective at pressing at this point in his career, Carrick could opt to stay with the Sancho-Rashford duo to put more pressure on Arsenal’s backline and force them into more errors.

Can Arsenal continue fine form?

That disastrous defeat to Liverpool aside, Arsenal have actually been putting up some impressive Premier League 2021 results. They bounced back from the Liverpool loss by taking care of Newcastle 2-0 at home. It was their fourth win in the last five league games as they now sit goal difference behind West Ham for fourth.

Bukayo Saka scored the opening goal as he tries to rediscover his best form. However, he came off with a thigh injury and is a doubt to play in midweek.

Gabriel Martinelli, who came on for Saka and scored himself just a couple of minutes later, is a strong candidate to start in Saka’s place. Alexandre Lacazette could also return to the first XI to add more firepower alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The Arsenal duo are in the midst of a dry spell of late. Lacazette’s last goal came in mid-October, while Aubameyang’s last goal came a few days later and is scoreless in his last four games.

History

Manchester United have historically had the better of this storied Premier League rivalry against Arsenal. They had a 24-16 edge in terms of wins, with 18 draws.

However, Arteta’s Gunners have gained the advantage in recent years. They are unbeaten in their last six league games against the Red Devils, with three wins and three draws.

They beat United 1-0 in their visit to Old Trafford last season thanks to an Aubameyang penalty. That was the Gunners’ first away win over Manchester United since 2006.

Betting Tip 

	Manchester United vs Arsenal	1X2 Draw @ 3.50
	December 03, 4:15 (GMT+8)

SBOTOP odds have Manchester United installed as 2.01 home favourites, with Arsenal priced at 3.50 to pick up an away win. Meanwhile, a draw is at 3.50.

With Rangnick possibly not be ready to take charge for his debut, Carrick could be set to call the shots at home. If he is still in charge, look for United to play a more attacking style compared to their visit to Chelsea.

However, Arsenal have made strides in recent weeks and could prove to be a tough matchup for United, whose press is nowhere near Liverpool’s level.

With those factors in mind, expect a cagey encounter at Old Trafford, one that could result in another draw for Man United.

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.