Prediction
Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United
From finishing outside the top four last season to being a part of the title race, it has been a turnaround of fortunes for both Arsenal and Manchester United over the last eight months.
Both sides who were once the benchmark for excellence in English football in days past, lost their places as the elite of the elite. Now both teams are on their way back, trying to claim the throne that was once theirs. On Sunday, Arsenal vs Manchester United will mean something again.
Key Notes
Arsenal are one of only two teams to have not lost a home game this season. Newcastle United are the other. They have scored 23 goals and conceded only eight at the Emirates stadium. This tally gives them a goal difference of +14 which is only bettered in the League by Manchester City.
Although Manchester United are on a three game unbeaten run away from home at the moment, they are yet to pick up an away victory against a traditional top six opponent so far this season.
Form Guide: Arsenal
The narrative around Arsenal could have been different at this point in their season if not for Manchester United. United’s 3-1 victory over them last September remains the only loss they have taken this season. Had it not been for that, the Gunners would have been talked about as a team trying to become invincible again.
Since their loss at the hands of United, they have played 12 matches and dropped points in only two and losing none of their matches. Revenge against the only team that beat them this seaosn will only be made sweeter by the fact that a win will increase the gap between the two teams to 11 points. A potentially insurmountable lead.
Form Guide: Manchester United
It is now 19 games into the season and Manchester United are the only team who have defeated Arsenal. Knowing that will fill them with confidence going into such a big game but they know it is no easy task.
The momentum they have been on of late has been fantastic but that momentum was slowed on Tuesday night when they dropped points against Crystal Palace. They lost the opportunity to go within six points of Arsenal and to make matters worse, they will be without one of their most important players in Casemiro.
The Brazilian was shown a yellow for a mistimed tackle on Wilfred Zaha and will subsequently miss the huge meeting with Arsenal through suspension.
Their task is made to be more difficult butUnited manager Erik Ten Hag seemed unfazed in the interview after the game. "Last time we beat Arsenal without Casemiro, now we have to do that same."
Arsenal vs Manchester United facts
Arsenal have won three of their last four home League matches against Manchester United. In that time, they have scored seven goals and conceded only once.
Players to watch out for
Martin Ødegaard
Fresh off another masterful display against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, Odegaard will no doubt be the center of attention once again as his team looks to continue their title charge.
The 24-year-old has scored two goals and assisted on a further three in his last four games.
Marcus Rashford
Rashford couldn't continue his scoring run against Crystal palace but the England international will be up for another huge game where he tends to be the point of difference for his team.
Rashford has managed to score five goals and assist one in six games.
Arsenal vs Manchester United Predictions
We went with a narrow Arsenal win because we believe that Arsenal will have the mental and physical advantage. A draw against Crystal palace will not be good for player confidence due to the manner in which the equalizer came and Arsenal will be ruthless enough to take advantage.
In the end, the Gunners will effectively end Manchester United’s faint title hopes.