Manchester United v Arsenal is arguably one of the biggest games of any Premier League season and today we take a look at the three key factors that will determine the outcome of this fixture. Click here to bet on the game.
United’s wanting form v Arsenal’s great form
Manchester United are experiencing one of the most troubling periods under Jose Mourinho and things are looking thicker by the day. They have not won in three Premier League matches and they have now dropped to seventh in the table. Shockingly, they have only won three of their six home league games this season. Their 3-0 loss to Spurs earlier on in the campaign will weigh heavily on them as they prepare for this clash, especially after the Gunners’ showing against Spurs last week.
Arsenal are on a totally different trajectory as they have remained unbeaten in 12 Premier League outings, nine of which have been wins. Away from home, they have won four of their six outings this season. They have also been very prolific upfront as they have scored 32 league goals, second only to Manchester City this term. This makes for a very interesting contrast to their opponents and you can expect them to approach this fixture with a lot of confidence.
United’s injuries v Arsenal’s fit squad
Manchester United were left with one fit centre back on Saturday, and with Phil Jones picking up a knock in that game their problems could have only worsened. Antonio Valencia, Luke Shaw and Matteo Darmian are all doubts, and with Ashley Young suspended it could be Diogo Dalot who will be asked to step in. Mourinho says he will wait until the last minute to pick his team to play Arsenal as he faces the prospect of lining up with just three fit defenders.
Arsenal have a good part of their squad in good condition with the exception of Danny Welbeck and Nacho Monreal. Granit Xhaka is suspended whilst Laurent Koscielny is still a fitness doubt, alongside Mesut Ozil and Shkodran Mustafi. The last two are able to play but might be rested for precautionary measures. That still leaves arsenal with a lot of starting options, unlike United who are on the verge of complete collapse.
United’s poor defence v Arsenal’s attack
Manchester United have conceded 23 goals in their 14 league games this season; a sharp contrast to last season where they conceded the same number of goals after 30 Premier League games. Even with fit defenders, the Red Devils have looked much disorganised in the defensive phase of their game this season. It is hard to see how they will improve now that they have a good number of defenders out with injury.
Arsenal have scored at least twice in all six of their away league games this season. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been at the heart of this attacking play alongside his strike partner Alexander Lacazette. It is no wonder that they are one of the top scoring sides in the Premier League so far. This could spell doom for their opponents who are having struggles of their own.