On Sunday, at 16:30, Manchester United and Arsenal duel in the 7th round of the Premier League, in a traditional English football derby. The “Devils” come after a fabulous series of results, which made them forget the (rarely) failure they suffered at home against Tottenham (1-6). Instead, Arsenal has a skillful attack this season, but a defensive one with problems.
Manchester United is in 15th place (goal difference 9-12), with 7 points, but with a return to form in recent weeks. It is clear that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will attack all the points in front of the “gunners”, who have not scared anyone for years. The former striker is still quite harshly criticized for the inconsistent performances of the team, and the fans consider that the clear victories are only the consequence of a group in which there are many valuable individuals. Solskjaer is not so easily forgiven for his failure in the Europa League semifinals, when the “devils” fell apart.
However, the atmosphere at Carrington is good, because the red and whites are sure that they can be dangerous in front of any opponent. Arsenal is in 11th place (goal difference 8-7) and scored only in places in the artistic impression, in 2020. In the last stage, the Londoners lost to Leicester (0-1), but then “retaliated” in the Europa League , against a modest rival – Dundalk. It was a match in which the Irish almost did not shoot at the goal! United had a much harder duel with RB Leipzig, in the Champions League, where they won 5-0 at home.
The “Devils” are without a victory in the last three direct duels with Arsenal, losing 0-2 twice and drawing once, 1-1. But it was time for Pogba, Rashford, Greenwood and the rest of the stars from Old Trafford to make a difference in a difficult derby! The share of the hosts is excellent and worth trying, because Arsenal cannot defend themselves as well as Chelsea did recently.
Manchester United is undefeated in 17 of the last 19 stages of the Premier League and the diversity of the group is a great advantage for the Norwegian manager. However, the hosts are not immune to problems: Bailly, Jones, Lingard and Telles are injured, while the Frenchman Martial is suspended. On the other hand, Arsenal cannot count on Chambers, Holding, Mari, Martinelli, Ozil and David Luiz.
In the Premier League, Manchester United has the statistical advantage in this direct duel: 75 victories, 45 draws and 62 successes of the Londoners (goal difference 272-247). Overall, United is looking for its 100th victory in the duels with its rival in the Capital, which envelops the game in an interesting atmosphere. Moreover, the statistics show us that United has led to the break in 5 of the last 8 home matches with Arsenal, being the favorite again.
Manchester United: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw; Fred, McTominay, Pogba; Fernandes; Greenwood, Rashford;
Coach: O. Solskjaer;
Arsenal: Leno; Bellerin, Mustafi, Gabriel, Tierney; Ceballos, Thomas, Xhaka; Willian, Aubameyang, Saka;
Coach: M. Arteta;
The last three direct duels of the two teams had less than 2.5 goals;
United have won 3 of the last 4 official matches, with 11 goals scored;
The “Devils” have only one success in the last five direct duels, and that away;
In 77% of the last 17 direct duels, the team that led the break won the match;
For the first time since 1972, United is without a victory in the first 3 stages at home;
PREDICTION: Manchester Utd to win @ 2,06
