Poor Run to Continue – Arsenal v Manchester United Predictions and Best Odds

Arsenal and Manchester United meet on Sunday in a clash that may well display where both of these sides are in terms of competing at the top of the Premier League table this season. Both team are still integrating new signings into the side and dealing with significant injuries. This is set up to be an intriguing clash, with tactical changes likely from both after some tricky games to open the campaign so far. Read on for Last Word on Football’s predictions for Arsenal vs. Manchester United and the best odds for the match at the Emirates Stadium.

Watch: How can Sofyan Amrabat reshape United’s midfield

Arsenal vs. Manchester United – Predictions and Best Odds

Mikel Arteta Yet to Find the Right Formula

The Gunners have signed Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and David Raya on loan. Rice has slotted into the midfield three comfortably but the balance has seemed off with Havertz struggling to have an impact alongside Odegaard in a more attacking role as part of the three-man midfield. Thomas Partey playing at right-back and moving into midfield has helped but it is not a long-term solution.

Oleksandr Zinchenko should hold down the left-back role with Timber now injured and is more comfortable playing the role Partey is currently playing. This will likely see another reshuffle at the back as both full-backs cannot play this role, it would leave the side too open and vulnerable to counter-attacks.

After two narrow victories and a draw at home to Fulham last time out, the manager will need to get the balance right this weekend as United will target these counter-attack opportunities as their most likely avenue to victory.

Eddie Nketiah has had an impressive start to the season and it will be between him and Gabriel Jesus to lead the line against a Manchester United defence that has failed to inspire confidence so far this season. There are goals here for the forwards but it will be vital that Arsenal do not overload the attack and leave themself vulnerable. Their opponent’s issues at left-back will see Bukayo Saka being the main attacking outlet.

Expectations High for Rasmus Hojlund’s Debut

The Red Devils will have Hojlund available to play some part this weekend, although it is unlikely to be from the start. Speed on the counter-attack will be the key for United here and they have the players to exploit this. However, it is the midfield and defence where there is serious concern.

Tottenham and Wolves in particular took advantage of how open Erik ten Hag’s side were in midfield and it can be expected that with Mason Mount out with injury, Christian Eriksen will be brought in and asked to sit a little deeper here. The midfield will be expected to sit in and soak up a lot of pressure as injuries at the back may further expose what is a vulnerable side at this stage of the season.

However, it must be remembered that many of the players currently available this weekend are still top players despite their critics thus far. It may take a game of this magnitude to finally lift the side and inspire the kind of performance that took United to silverware and a top-four finish last season.

Recent Head-to-Head

Excluding the pre-season friendly this summer, the recent head-to-head is perfectly balanced. Both sides have picked up two home victories in the last five with a 0-0 draw at the Emirates in 2021 rounding off the previous five meetings. Both teams have scored in the previous four meetings with the home side on each of these occasions scoring three goals. This could be interpreted as a good omen for the Gunners this weekend.

Nketiah scored twice in the most recent meeting, including a 90th-minute winner in a 3-2 home win for his side in January.

Arsenal vs. Manchester United Prediction

Both have had their problems so far, but it is the away team that looks miles away from their best form. A defeat would raise questions about their progression even after just four games but with new Sofyan Amrabat and Hojlund still integrating into the squad, it is not time to hit the panic button just yet.

It will get better at Old Trafford this season and performances will improve, but this game may just be beyond their current capabilities. It will be close but the home side’s ability going forward should get them over the line.