Premier League: Manchester United x Arsenal, Match Preview, Odds and Predictions(12/05/2024)

The Premier League matchup between Manchester United and Arsenal has the potential to be a decisive confrontation with significant implications for the ongoing title competition of this season. Despite suffering a 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace in their previous league match, Manchester United remains motivated to pursue a potential European berth as the season draws close. Chelsea and Newcastle United closely trail United in the competition for the penultimate European berth.

Head To Head And Previous Matches

Manchester United, beginning with the hosts, who put on a dreadful performance earlier in the week when they were defeated by Crystal Palace 4-0, are currently embroiled in a public crisis. The impending departure of former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag from Old Trafford after the current season has placed the former manager under intense scrutiny. Despite narrowly escaping an infamous FA Cup elimination last month by defeating Championship outfit Coventry, Manchester United have remarkably failed to earn a single victory in their last seven consecutive Premier League appearances. Ten Hag's squad, which began April with a tumultuous 4-3 defeat away at historic rivals Chelsea, have consistently been linked to a dire defensive record. United, defeated 3-1 in north London on September 3, is confronted with 3 other formidable obstacles this weekend.

Regarding the visitors, although Arsenal may have been dealt Champions League sorrow last month by Bayern Munich in a 3-2 aggregate loss, Mikel Arteta's youthful squad is currently experiencing a renowned domestic triumph. The Gunners, still in contention for their first Premier League championship since 2004, will look forward to this weekend's journey to Old Trafford. The title contenders most recently observed rampaging to a 3-0 victory at home against Bournemouth, have amassed a 13-2 aggregate advantage in their previous four top-flight meetings. 

After concluding April with a potentially decisive 3-2 victory away at archrivals Tottenham, Arteta's squad has steadily earned a monstrous reputation for their masterful final-third performances. Except for a notable 5-0 victory over Chelsea at home last month, Arsenal have not experienced a single domestic setback beyond North London since the beginning of 2024.

Manchester United x Arsenal Team News

England international Harry Maguire will be sidelined for the final two weeks due to a muscle injury, as confirmed by Manchester United. Similarly, ten Hag will be unable to utilize former Real Madrid sensation Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw, or Lisandro Martinez due to an injury crisis at Old Trafford.

United are optimistic that midfield talisman Bruno Fernandes can return punctually to this location despite missing out on away travel to Crystal Palace earlier this week. Despite having scored only once in his previous eleven appearances for club and country, Rasmus Hojlund, a Danish international, will lead United's charge.

Despite the possibility that Dutch defender Jurrien Timber has not played since late August due to knee surgery, Arsenal have confirmed that the former Ajax star will likely have some involvement on Sunday afternoon. Before visiting Old Trafford this weekend, Arteta's squad provided an update on their health and had no new concerns.

This match will be dominated by England international Bukayo Saka, who scored 16 Premier League goals of the season and converted from the penalty spot against Bournemouth last week. Leandro Trossard, who scored three goals in his previous four Premier League appearances, will continue to start for Arteta.

Our Predictions

Arsenal to win and Over 2.5 goals @ 1.67 on Sky247.ng

Arsenal, who have won their last four Premier League contests by an aggregate score of 13-2, will be eager to make another heavyweight statement at this venue. The Gunners, seeking to capitalize on a Manchester United squad embroiled in a public crisis, will be energized by their most recent encounter with the hosts on Sunday. On September 3rd, they stormed to a 3-1 victory when they welcomed their historic rivals to north London. We anticipate a similar result this weekend.

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