2017-18 EPL: Arsenal vs Manchester United Preview
It is no longer the title decider that it used to be but Arsenal vs Manchester United clash still gets top billing. To add to the club rivalry, there is the additional needle between their managers Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho. This makes the weekend’s clash between Arsenal and United at the Emirates Stadium a classic-in-waiting. Will it be the hosts who are on a 12-game winning run at home that will prevail or will Jose’s team that have lost just 4 of their last 38 matches grab a win?
Season so far
It has been a hit-and-miss season for the Gunners who started the season with high hopes, only to falter with inconsistent displays. After 14 games in the Premier League, the Gunners are fourth in the table (28 pts, W9, D1, L4) and find themselves 12 points off the table-toppers Manchester City. Though Wenger claims that his side can still win the title, a loss this weekend would all but rule Arsenal out of the title mix this season.
The Red Devils are currently the top challenger to City in the Premier League title race as they currently sit second in the table (32 pts, W10, D2, L2). But, Jose’s side is still eight points off City and can ill-afford to drop points not just in this encounter but also in the near future. Add to it the fact that Mourinho never likes to lose to Wenger, this fixture will surely be not the one where the Portuguese ‘parks the bus’.
Key Stats and battles
This is the 51st Premier League clash between these sides and the record is tilted towards United – W22, D15, L13. However, Arsenal have an edge at home winning the last two fixtures against United 3-0 and 2-0. The last time United won at the Emirates was in 2014.
You can’t not think of this game as Wenger vs Mourinho! From the 17 meetings so far with Wenger, Jose has a record of W8, D7, L2. Where will this weekend result slot in?
Prediction
Arsenal’s home form combined by the fact that United will not have Nemanja Matic due to an injury, tilts the scales in favour of the hosts. Back the Gunners to win at odds of $2.5 (William Hill). An equally prudent pick could be Arsenal – draw no bet at odds of $1.73 (Ladbrokes).
TIP: Arsenal draw no bet – $1.73 at Ladbrokes
With Alexandre Lacazette out of the game with an injury, Olivier Giroud could be set for a starting role. Back the French striker to score anytime at odds of $2.75 (bet365).
TIP: Giroud to score at anytime – $2.75 at bet365
United have the best defensive record in the league this season and should once again be tough to breach. We predict the game to have under 2.5 goals at odds of $1.91 (William Hill).
TIP: Total goals UNDER 2.5 – $1.91 at William Hill
