Sunday 10 Nov 2013 16.10 – Man United V Arsenal (Old Trafford)

This is certainly the stand out game of the weekend despite the premature declarations of Man Utd’s demise. David Moyes’ team are now unbeaten in eight games in all competitions and certainly seem to be overcoming the early season jitters that had many people writing them off. They still lack the imposing aura that surrounded the team under Alex Ferguson but they are by no means a spent force. Arsenal seem to have surprised everyone with their marked improvement throughout the entire team this season, and the mid-week win in Dortmund has added further credibility to their status as title contenders.

Untied should have Cleverley, Carrick and Wellbeck back from injury while Arsene Wenger is hoping that Flamini will be available for this important clash. However, he will have to do without Walcott, Wilshere, Diaby and Poldolski, who will all miss out.

The Red Devils are averaging 1.4 goals per home game this season and are conceding an average of one goal a game. The Gunners score an impressive average of 2.2 away from home while conceding just 0.8. Both teams share very similar possession stats ( 57% and 56%) and their shots on goal stats are also very even with United just ahead on 15 shots to Arsenal’s 13, although the Gunners are slightly more accurate.

Everything points towards a close game but Arsenal have won four out of the last five away games and United have won just two out of the last five home games. Man United are still taking time to adjust to their new regime while Arsenal seem to be enjoying a real renaissance period under Arsene Wenger. An away win at Old Trafford still seems like a difficult and bold prediction to make but Arsenal have the current form and confidence to come away with all three points.

Match prediction: Man Utd 1-2 Arsenal

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