Sunday Premier League – Manchester United vs Arsenal Preview
April 29th 2018 16:30 – Old Trafford
Recent Form (League)
Manchester United: WWWLW
Arsenal: WWWLW
The Arsene Wenger farewell tour continues as he takes his side to Old Trafford to face rivals Manchester United.
FA Cup finalists Manchester United have had to face plenty of criticism this season over their style of play. Admittedly they don’t play the most exciting football at times, but in most other seasons they would still be fighting for the Premier League title. But such is the dominance of the team from the blue side of Manchester, second place is all they can hope for. A closer look shows the good form Mourinho’s men have been in: six league wins out of seven and a FA Cup semi-final win over Tottenham is nothing to be sneered at.
This particular fixture stirs memories of a bitter rivalry and although that has subsided at a little the last few season’s, it is still a fixture worth looking for on the calendar. Jose Mourinho is likely to come up with plenty of kind words about Arsene Wenger, but the Portuguese Coach will be absolutely determined to maintain his outstanding record against the Frenchman. This will be the 19th meeting between the two in all competitions. Mourinho did not lose any of the first 13, but has lost two of the last five. However, he has never lost at home game against Wenger in seven matches.
Wenger will be hoping to end his reign on a high, but things are not looking so promising. A top-four finish in the league is all but beyond them, and after failing to beat the 10 men of Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday, their hopes of silverware and a Champions League spot are fading. They now face a trip to Spain to try and score against an Atletico Madrid side who haven’t conceded at home since January.
Arsenal’s away form has been nothing short of shocking this season and they are currently riding a five-match losing streak away from the Emirates. If Arsenal lose this game at Old Trafford it will be the first time The Gunners will have lost ten league away games in a 38-game season since 1989-90.
With Europa glory their only route towards Champions League qualification next term, Wenger may turn his gaze away from United as he prepares for the second leg at the Wanda Metropolitano, prompting some squad rotation.
Prediction:
The Gunners’ recent travel sickness coupled with their attention on next Thursday’s game, the home win looks the choice bet, while defensive weaknesses in the Arsenal team could also bring Over 2.5 goals into play.
You can back Man Utd to win at 4/9 and Over 2.5 Goals at 4/6, both with Betfair.