Arsenal v Manchester United Cheat Sheet
Arsenal v Manchester United
Kick Off: 16:30
Competition: Premier League
Watch Live: Sky Sports Main Event
There is a big match in the title race this Sunday as Arsenal host Manchester United. The Gunners have taken the league by storm this season and have a five point lead at the top. Arteta’s young side have been consistent and been able to despatch most teams with minimal fuss.
Arsenal had a perfect home record prior to Newcastle’s visit to the Emirates a couple of weeks ago. Eddie Howe’s men stifled Arsenal’s rhythm by making it a stop-start affair. They will be keen to get back to their free-flowing best in front of their home fans when they take on Man United.
Ten Hag’s side are the only team to beat Arsenal in the league this season. They were able to create some good chances with less possession at Old Trafford and wound up 3-1 victors. United have improved since the last meeting between the sides and are up to third in the table. However, they looked tired as the game wore on in midweek and that could be a factor here. They will also be without Casemiro, who is suspended after picking up a yellow card at Selhurst Park.
Selection: 1 of 3
Prediction: Fred to Commit 2+ Fouls
Odds: 1.67
With Casemiro ruled out, Fred looks set to start in midfield for Manchester United. The Brazilian has been praised by Ten Hag for his commitment when coming on a substitute and is likely to be trusted to tidy up in midfield on Sunday.
Fred is averaging 2.3 fouls per 90 minutes played in the Premier League this season. The last time United visited the Emirates, McTominay and Matic played in midfield. Matic made 2 fouls and McTominay made 3. There is a chance that Ten Hag will start McTominay over Fred. He is the same price for 2 fouls and is averaging 2.6 per 90 minutes in the league this season.
The nine starting centre-midfielders against Arsenal (not including number 10s) have combined for 15 fouls in the league since the restart. Only Newcastle’s Sean Longstaff didn’t make a foul in that position and they were the only team to play with three box-to-box midfielders.
Selection: 2 of 3
Prediction: Christian Eriksen to Commit 1+ Fouls
Odds: 1.67
Eriksen will be the other man in midfield for United. When he was brought in during the summer, there was speculation as to where he would play. The Danish international had spent most of his career operating just behind the striker but Ten Hag has used him in a deeper role.
His range of passing and ability to keep the ball moving makes him a valuable asset in the heart of United’s midfield. This deeper role does put him in the firing line in games where United don’t dominate possession. He may have to lunge in to break up attacks in this game.
Eriksen was booked in the reverse fixture for time wasting without making a foul. However, he did make two fouls in United’s recent match against Manchester City. The absence of Casemiro should mean he is more exposed in this one.
Selection: 3 of 3
Prediction: Ben White to Commit 1+ Fouls
Odds: 1.57
Ben White will be tasked with handling the inform Rashford in this game. Marcus has great pace and has regained his appetite to dribble directly at opponents. United had 40% of the ball in the reverse fixture. They will likely be relying on hitting Arsenal on the break this Sunday. If Rashford gets a break on his man, White will be forced to bring him down to stop the counter.
White made a foul in Arsenal’s visit to Old Trafford earlier this season. Both Arsenal right-backs who started against United last season also made a foul. Cedric Soares played in this position for the Gunners at the Emirates last season. He made 2 fouls before being substituted in the 89th minute.
Written by an Andy verified content writer
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