There was a stint, not too long ago, when fixtures between Arsenal and Manchester United, formerly the standard-setting encounter in the Premier League, didn’t feel like such a big deal anymore.
After all, Arsenal last won the competition in 2004 and although the Red Devils’ drought will only reach the fifth year in 2018, it feels as though the dominant forces in English football’s top flight recently have been Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and for one memorable season, Leicester City.
Saturday’s meeting between the two sides is the most important encounter between these longstanding rivals for a while.
Not only does is have a wonderful backdrop to it—a winter fixture in the Saturday evening kick-off slot—both teams have enjoyed strong starts to the season. And with Manchester City eight points clear of United and 12 points clear of Arsenal, you sense any slip here will be critical to the title chances of either.
On the sidelines, there has always been an edge to this tussle too and that’s unlikely to change when United boss Jose Mourinho and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger send their lads out to battle on Saturday.
It’ll be fascinating to see if this one is indeed a battle. After all, Arsenal have rarely adopted agricultural tactics under Wenger, with slick football long their modus operandi. While it’s a setup that’s caused them issues since 2004, at the moment the Gunners are in one of those irrepressible grooves that make for mesmerizing viewing.
At the Emirates Stadium, in particular, they’re a side that looks so comfortable in their own skin. Arsenal have put together 12 consecutive wins on their own patch and will fancy their chances against anyone in their north London home at the moment.
These types of runs and playing in these types of environments are cherished parts of football Mourinho has a reputation for spoiling. Yet while the Red Devils swatted Watford aside 4-2 in the buildup to this one at Vicarage Road, there have been issues away from home for United as of late.
Against the other sides that make up the top six, United have yet to win a single game away from home under Mourinho and have only netted once in seven contests in this bracket. Given City’s advantage at the summit, you sense a more attacking approach will have to be adopted here.
With that in mind, it’ll be intriguing to see who Mourinho calls upon in terms of personnel, especially in the final third.
Romelu Lukaku has struggled as of late after a brilliant beginning to his United career and given his previous poor performances in big games, there may be a temptation to leave him out of this one. In Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, there are options aplenty in this facet of the field.
Arsenal, by contrast, have their attacking setup sorted. One of the catalysts for their brilliant recent form has been the link between Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil, and Alexandre Lacazette.
The trio were all on the scoresheet in midweek as the Gunners demolished Huddersfield Town, while in the previous home encounter they were mesmerizing against Tottenham Hotspur in a 2-1 win. If United show any defensive weakness, that threesome will exploit it.
The performance of Ozil, in particular, will make for fascinating viewing, as the Germany international has been linked with a move to United this term. He’s found some consistency over the last few matches and has expertly conducted this Arsenal attack.
While Wenger’s record against Mourinho isn’t particularly impressive—Arsenal’s 2-0 win over United earlier in the year was his first league win against the Portuguese in 13 attempts—all signs point to a home win here.
The Red Devils have yet to get the balance right in these huge away days under Mourinho, while the Gunners have been imperious at the Emirates. Although there may be some concerns about the Gunners defensively, they have disposed of some fine sides in their winning run.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Manchester
Tips
Arsenal to win 2-1 (10.00 BetVictor)
Arsenal to win and both teams to score (4.60 Paddy Power)
Arsenal halftime/Arsenal full time (4.20 Ladbrokes)
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