An exciting fixture, one which will dominate the headlines this weekend (and rightly so) still as relevant as ever and with enough tension to raise the heart rate – its United at the Emirates, you won’t miss it, so get some skin in the game!
Arsenal vs Manchester United
Premier League
Sunday, 3 September – 17:30
Emirates Stadium
Arsenal
Jurrien Timber’s injury against Nottingham Forrest on the opening weekend was (and has somewhat shown to be) a massive blow for the Arsenal. He was an outstanding player for them leading up to the season and largely a cause for quiet confidence!
They were held to a 2-2 draw at home against Fulham last time out, and I suppose it makes it worse to say that Fulham were down to ten men. Personally, I wouldn’t read too much into the result though, Arsenal haven’t hit their straps yet in my opinion and the sort of quality they have in that side suggest when they do, it will be devastating.
This will be their first real test; they play against a United side who look to have the makings of the real deal but also are yet to do anything to justify that. If Arsenal gets going quickly and get their fans on their side early, I think it will be a tough game for United. They don’t look too defensively sound at the moment and I doubt they will be able to handle wave after attacking wave.
To Win Match
Arsenal 15/20 | Draw 3/1 | Man United 32/10
Manchester United
United have been frustrating to watch (and back) they have been flat and just lack a spark. Everyone keeps thinking (and I suppose I was one of them) that something will give, and whilst I suppose the quality in the team justifies this position, how long are we to wait?
I suppose the biggest frustration with United is their continued inability to finish in front of goal. They simply must be more clinical and put games to bed, the more they let teams into the game, the more likely they are to die by that sword.
When you couple what I’ve outlined above with the fact that United have been horrible on the road, it doesn’t really paint an incredibly positive picture. Erik ten Hag has struggled when visiting teams in the upper echelons of the league and often comes away empty handed.
Yes, they have a chance to change it…but I’m not sure anyone can be confident.
Predicted Line-ups:
Arsenal: Ramsdale, Partey, White, Saliba, Kiwior, Odegaard, Rice, Havertz, Saka, Trossard, Martinelli.
Manchester United: Onana, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Dalot, Casemiro, Eriksen, Antony, Fernandes, Rashford, Højlund.
Verdict: Arsenal + BTTS (21/10)
Yes, I have predicted that Rasmus Højlund gets a start (assuming the reports are correct) and we know what happens when a striker at United makes their debut against Arsenal! Nevertheless, I think Arsenal win.
I hope I’m wrong, but I think Arsenal win but fail to keep a clean sheet. 21/10 shouldn’t need to convince you anymore – so get stuck in.
