Arsenal v Manchester United
Sunday 4th October – Kickoff: 1600hrs
Football – England – Premier League
This fixture remains the signature Premier League clash with so much history attached to it. Down the years there have been so many stories involving games between Arsenal and Manchester United. The Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson rivalry; Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane, and that Thierry Henry goal. It has been a while since the game itself was classed as a battle between two genuine title contenders but with both clubs among the early pacesetters, this may well just be the first time it takes on thar extra meaning.
It was another European disaster for Arsene Wenger and his Arsenal players as they lost their second straight Champions League group game, going down 3-2 at home to Olympiakos. As a result of that, the North Londoners sit bottom of their section and have the daunting prospect of facing Bayern Munich in consecutive matches. The defeat to the Greek champions highlighted Arsenal’s frailties in defence and mentality. In many ways, facing United is probably the best thing for them as they will have no time to feel sorry for themselves as they look to go level on points with their opponents. Wenger will certainly want a better performance and result than the last game they played after a Champions League week, having gone down 2-0 at Chelsea a fortnight ago.
Before Manchester City thrashed Newcastle 6-1, it was the red half of Manchester who topped the table following three successive wins in the league. It has been a great reaction from Louis Van Gaal’s men after drawing with Newcastle and losing to Swansea. I mentioned in last week’s preview before their win over Sunderland that one of the reasons why they have shot up the table is the fact they seem to have found a balance going forward, which is largely down to the arrival of Martial. He failed to score for the third consecutive league game but he was still a menace throughout and created a goal for his captain, Wayne Rooney. He will be looking forward to facing Arsenal considering the form he was in, but Wenger may have different feelings as he tried to bring the former Monaco player to the Emirates last season.
The big debate following the loss in midweek was around Wenger’s decision to leave Petr Cech on the bench in favour of David Ospina. The latter was at fault for the second Olympiakos goal, committing a terrible blunder, but Arsenal’s problems went much deeper than that. Nevertheless, it is somewhat surprising that Cech has not featured in either of the gunners Champions League games. He will almost certainly return to the starting line-up on Sunday as he looks to keep his third straight home clean sheet. Something Arsenal have not done since the beginning of last year.
United have won two and lost the other of their first three away games in the league, this season, but they’ve yet to fully convince. Van Gaal’s men also lost in Eindhoven against PSV in the Champions League. Their supporters will point to the fact that despite the team not being at their best on their travels, they have still managed to pick up two wins and if they can gain another three points on Sunday – particularly considering the opponent – then dreams of winning their first ever Premier League without Ferguson at the helm will begin to grow. A winning attitude is vital for any side going for the title and that is another thing which seems to be growing at Old Trafford as the team have come back from losing positions to take the win twice in their last three games.
Arsenal v Manchester United Betting Tips
Arsenal have not beaten Manchester United in the Premier League since 2011 – a run of nine games. Since that win they have lost five of those games so it’s not been particularly kind fixture over the last few seasons. In fairness to Wenger and his players, they did beat their rivals 2-1 in last season’s FA Cup.
Both managers will be hoping to use this game to put a marker down as they try to cement their status’ as genuine title contenders. Arsenal are considered favourites by the bookmakers despite being three points behind United and their indifferent performances in Europe. They are plenty short enough at 11/10, especially having won only two of their last seven home games in the league – their only home win this season coming against Stoke.
United are beginning to gather a bit of momentum and look capable of winning games when not at their best, which is a vital trait in any top side. This game should also suit them as Arsenal will dominate a lot of the possession, which is what they done when the two met at the Emirates last season, only for United to hit them on the counter twice and win 2-1. The pace of Memphis and Martial will cause the home defence massive problems and it will be up to Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata to provide the service.
The bet I like here is the double chance on Manchester United. I don’t think there is as much between these two sides as the prices seem to suggest, so to get an away win and the draw for just shy of what you’re getting the home win at, seems a logical play.
Manchester United double chance 20/23 @ Boylesports
