Premier League: Points and Pride on the Line at Old Trafford

Manchester United vs Arsenal

Two big Premier League beasts clash at Old Trafford on Sunday with differing but no less important incentives.

For title-chasing Arsenal, three points are essential to keep their hopes alive. For hosts Manchester United, pride more than points is required on the back of a woeful Bank Holiday Monday display at Crystal Palace.

A game that has been the benchmark for fun football action more than any other fixture over the past 30 years, can we expect even more Premier League 2024 highlights this weekend?

Talking Points

Now many people will be expecting a win with something to spare for the visitors, but my view is somewhat different.

For a start, United fans will demand a response in their penultimate home match of the campaign and may have a handful of key players returning.

Certainly, at the time of writing, captain Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford may be deemed fit enough to come back into the starting XI.

Rashford has been involved in six goals in his past four Premier League starts against Arsenal, scoring four and assisting two. Indeed, his 10-goal involvements against the Gunners (six goals, four assists) is his most against a single opponent in the Premier League.

Of course, it’s in defence where United most need personnel to return.

At Palace, they had a right back playing left-back, a central midfielder playing centre-back, and another centre-back rushed back to start his first game in months due to a spate of injuries which is in double figures.

Secondly, the pressure is just as firmly on the Gunners who know they need to return home with all three points to keep their title dream alive.

Against Bournemouth last time out, their 3-0 win was inspired by a trio who have become integral to their title bid.

According to the Guardian, Declan Rice was outstanding, captain Martin Odegaard was in master puppeteer mood, while Kai Havertz caught the eye with his velvet touch, movement and intelligence.

Their upward trajectory under Mikel Arteta was presumably a key factor which this week persuaded Italian midfielder Jorginho to sign a new contract, despite rumours lining him with a return to his homeland.

Their position now should also act as encouragement for his counterpart Erik ten Hag, whose position has come under fresh scrutiny of the Palace mauling but can argue that, with a fully fit squad, he is improving his club just as Arteta has been given time to in North London.

By the time of kick-off, Arsenal will know how Manchester City, who trail them by a point but with a game in hand, have fared at Fulham.

If this fixture was based on the form guide, it would be an away banker, but football is rarely that straightforward.

And if United have some of their cavalry returning, we could be in for a potential blockbuster.

History

The two clubs have faced each other 240 times in total. United have won 101 to Arsenal’s 88, and 50 matches have ended in a draw.

As it stands, United have won just two of the last 11 meetings, but both have been in the corresponding fixture over the past two seasons.

A 3-1 home victory last season saw Antony net a debut goal before two quick fire Rashford strikes won the game.

The campaign previously, the Red Devils secured a 3-2 home victory when Cristiano Ronaldo netted twice and Bruno Fernandes the other in an exciting contest. It was the third and final game in which Michael Carrick had taken charge in between the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the arrival of interim manager Ralf Rangnick.

Arsenal replied through Emile Smith Rowe and Odegaard.

The Gunners have lost 18 Premier League matches away to United, more than against any other opponent.

Indeed, Arsenal’s only win in their last 16 Premier League games at Old Trafford was a 1-0 victory in November 2020.

Betting Tip

I have never ever known United to be so much an outsider in their own turf.

You can get SBOTOP Premier League 2024 betting odds on them 1X2 @ 6.30 and Asian Handicap +1.00 @ 2.42 compared to the Gunners 1X2 @ 1.35 and Asian Handicap -1.50 @ 2.02.

Even a draw seems unlikely given it’s priced @ 4.93.

A re-run of the corresponding fixture last season – a 3-1 United victory – will pay out @ 70.00 with Correct Score – which is staggering.

There haven’t been too many goalless draws between these two, and I am not expecting another, although it’s on offer @ 26.00.

I am, however, expecting a fair few goals and have considered Total Goals 4-6 @ 2.20 and Over 3.75 goals @ 2.26.

 

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