Sunday’s late kick off sees old rivals Manchester United and Arsenal lock horns once again at Old Trafford and even though both teams are all but guaranteed Champions League football, the battle is on to secure automatic entry into the group stage of next year’s elite European competition.
Arsenal’s long unbeaten run came to an end on Monday night as Swansea completed the league double over the Gunners for the first time since the 1981/82 season and the Swans put in an impressive defensive performance before Bafetimbi Gomis headed in a late winner. Arsenal did however dominate the game and Swansea fans can thank Lukasz Fabianski, with the Polish international making a string of top quality saves to deny his old side.
United meanwhile were able to end their losing run against Crystal Palace as a 2-1 win at Selhurst Park, coupled with Liverpool’s draw against Chelsea, secured Champions League football for Louis van Gaal’s side, barring a ridiculous goals swing. Once again it was Marouane Fellaini who popped up with the all-important goal to put United ahead after Jason Puncheon had cancelled out Juan Mata’s opener from the penalty spot.
Angel di Maria, Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Luke Shaw should all be available for Sunday’s clash despite picking up injuries; however Argentinian international Marco Rojo remains a doubt. Arsenal meanwhile have no new injuries and they could potentially field an unchanged side for the sixth game in a row.
The Gunners ended their poor run at Old Trafford earlier this season with Danny Welbeck scoring the winner against his old side and that will certainly give Arsene Wenger’s men a lift going into this game.
Manchester United v Arsenal Betting Tips
- Match to end in a draw – We fancy both sides to cancel each other out at Old Trafford and despite the fact that Arsenal have been in great form this season they don’t have the best record against the other top sides. Both teams to take a share of the spoils can be backed at odds of 5/2 with BetVictor.
- Both teams to score – Both sides are better at attacking than they are defending and with the last two matches between these two this season seeing both sides score, we can’t see a clean sheet being kept and you can back BTTS at 13/20 with Ladbrokes.
- Robin van Persie to score last – The Dutch international has had a disappointing season for the Red Devils so far and after carrying a knock, we’d expect him to start on the bench against his former side. However, he still remains a threat and he will be wanting to impress before the transfer window opens. RVP can be backed at odds of 6/1 with BetVictor.
- Santi Cazorla to be man of the match – The diminutive Spaniard has been in exceptional form lately, creating plenty of chances and scoring some important goals. With attackers picked for MOM more often than defenders, the ex-Malaga man can be backed to pick up the post-match gong at 12/1 with BetVictor.