Man United vs Arsenal predictions & betting tips
Discover how Arsenal's league-leading 5 red cards of the season can be a determining factor when the Gunners visit Old Trafford to face Manchester United in this sensational Premier League match
The stakes are high-flying as Manchester United welcome Arsenal to Old Trafford this Sunday when the Premier League showdown between glory and survival arrives in town. United, in 14th position, are keen to avoid relegation trouble, whereas Arsenal, who are in second position, are well and truly in the title hunt. Given that both teams are hunting points for very different reasons, the match is set to be full of drama and passion. Arsenal might secure their top-four status with a victory, whereas United's chances of rescuing their campaign rest on performing well at home.
This historic rivalry has seen momentum building in the Gunners' favour in recent times, with four of their last five meetings producing wins for Arsenal. However, United won the previous match, and this win can be a source of psychological strength. Old Trafford has also proven to be United's fortress during this fixture, with 22 wins from their last 37 home matches against Arsenal, which adds to the suspense of this high-flying encounter.
Modern style tells a different story. United have not exactly been good at it, losing one of their last five and failing to find the net in five of their 14 domestic games this campaign. Arsenal has been more stable, winning three of their last five and recording a goal difference of +28 compared to United's -6. But Arsenal's occasional inconsistency away from home and United's desperate requirement for points could turn this into a tighter affair than the book is suggesting.
Key players are likely to be the difference-makers. Bruno Fernandes, with seven assists to his credit this season, is United's creative force, and Bukayo Saka, with ten assists, is Arsenal's driving force. Both can deliver game-changing moments, and their performances could be the difference in a game that is so crucial for both the title and relegation battles.
Man United - Arsenal Key Facts
Arsenal FC have also demonstrated a strong recent record against Manchester United, with four of their last five encounters falling in their favor, including both matches last season. This pattern bodes well for Arsenal in their next match.
Manchester United's backline problems, having leaked in all of their last six matches, indicate there is room for Arsenal FC to exploit offensively. This fact makes over 2.5 goals or Arsenal to score a certain number of goals an attractive bet to place.
Despite Manchester United's historically strong home record against Arsenal, and 22 wins in the last 37 meetings, this advantage is diminished by their recent past facing Arsenal. Current trends in performance are more valuable to think about than historical trends when placing bets.
Betting Tips
Primary Bet: Over 2.5 goals @ 6/5
The Manchester United- Arsenal contest promises plenty of firepower, and "Over 2.5 goals" is an excellent main bet. Statistical forecasting is 80.34% in accordance with this score, backed up by an average of 2.4 goals in their past encounters. Manchester United have been scoring richly at Old Trafford, with a goal average per match of 2.03, while Arsenal are chipping in 1.63 away goals per game. Both sides possess good attacking strength, and with or without occasional problems upfront, historical patterns along with current form lend themselves to predict an extremely high-scoring game.
Secondary Bet: Both Teams To Score: Yes @ 21/20
Aside from the primary bet, "Both Teams To Score: Yes" is a solid secondary option, having a 60.26% probability, according to models of prediction. Arsenal averaged 1.8 goals against Manchester United in their entire history, and both teams have been exposed at the back in recent games. Arsenal have failed to score only in three of their 14 away games this term, and Manchester United have scored in all six of their last fixtures. These defensive frailties, though, supplemented by attacking strength in evidence here, make this bet a good choice in what is sure to be an attractive contest.
Editorial Pick: Away Win @ 7/10
It is very difficult to see any other result than an Arsenal victory here. Fresh off of their respective European adventures - United failing to beat Real Sociedad and Arsenal thrashing PSV Eindhoven 7-1 - the value bet is a simple away win.
