Arsenal vs Manchester United: Preview and Prediction

Published by William | Filed under Football (aka soccer), Predictions, Premier League, Previews

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1/31 16:00 GMT Manchester United at Arsenal – Odds | Stats


The English Premiership title race may become a little bit more clear this weekend when second ranked and three time defending champions Manchester United travel to Emirates Stadium to take on the third ranked Gunners of Arsenal. The race for the title has pretty much been narrowed to three teams, the aforementioned and Chelsea. The teams are separated by only 2 points and the winner of Sunday’s match in London may be on the fast track to the hardware while the loser may be looking back at this match come season end.


Arsenal:


It’s no secret that Arsenal has truly surprised much of Europe by competing at the level they have this season. Many figured this to be a rebuilding year, however Arsene Wenger and his young Gunners have been magnificent in their quest to bring the title back to London. Arsenal can accredit much of their success to the inspired play of midfielder Cesc Fabregas and attacker Andey Arshavin. Arshavin, as opposed to his normal midfield/winger position, has had to accept an all new role and take on the responsibility of being the primary striker since Dutch forward Robin van Persie went out for the season with an injury to his achilles tendon. Meanwhile, team captain Fabregas has done an extraordinary job in running the show, distributing and scoring goals alike. The only problem this season, much like people assumed, has been in the back where Arsenal may boast the weakest back line of the top half of the EPL. To further add to their defensive woes, Thomas Vermaelen (knee) is doubtful and expected to start in his place for his first league start this season is Sol Campbell (35 years old). However, Wenger has assured that he has full confidence in the veteran to stop Premiership leading goal scorer Wayne Rooney. All in all, after eliminated from both the FA Cup and Carling Cup, the Premiership (and Champions League for that matter…) take on an all new degree of importance for the Gunners. Sunday is easily the biggest match of the season for Wenger and co.


Manchester United:


The three time running Premiership champions and current Carling Cup title holders Manchester United are starting hit stride just as they do every year at this time. The difference this year is that they don’t have the one and only Cristiano Ronaldo to lean on. However, there has been a scrappy little Englishman by the name of Wayne Rooney that has had easily the best season of his career. He currently leads the Premiership in scoring and is on track to break all sorts of records. The Wonderboy added to his already extensive highlight reel this week when he put crosstown rivals, Manchester City, to sleep with his injury time winning header, sending the Red Devils back to the League Cup finals. As for the defensive side of things, United has been exceptional in that department as well. However, they may have a bit of a problem with Rio Ferdinand serving the first of a 4 game ban starting on Sunday after his appeal to the FA Disciplinary Committee was denied. His normal replacement, Vidic, is questionable as well with a nerve injury. Who will feature in the middle of the defence is yet to be seen. Nonetheless, Sir Alex Ferguson has stressed all week the importance of this game as he believe the loser will take a serious step backwards in battling Chelsea for this year’s title.


Prediction:


With so much on the line, it’s really tough to predict a clear cut winner in this match. One thing working to the Gunners’ advantage is that United does not have the best of records at Emirates Stadium, particularly in league play. However, they were able to defeat them last year in their decisive Champions League fixture so it’s not like they haven’t won there before. With all that said, in Rio Ferdinand’s absence and after such an emotional win over City, I expect Arsenal to come out get a much needed win at home in from of the Gunner faithful.


Pick:


Arsenal 2 -1 Manchester United


Bet of the Match:


Arsenal at 2.65 from 188Bet