Everyone is assuming that the Arsenal v Man United game will be a tight affair given the fierce rivalry between the two clubs, not to mention the barely concealed animosity between Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho. Despite the fact that United are currently 4 points ahead of Arsenal in second place, the current form of both sides indicates that it is actually Arsenal that should be hot favourites to win this match.
Let’s start with Arsenal’s last 5 home games….
As you can see, the Gunners have won every game, scored 13 and have only conceded 1 goal, averaging 2.6 v 0.2
And now Man United’s last five away games…..
United have scored 6, conceded 5 and have only won 2 games of the 5. Their average goals comes out at 1.2 v 1.
Arsenal are feeling supremely confident at home right now and should be expecting to be tight defensively, even more so now that Mustafi is back in the centre of the back 3. They will be sitting back and trying to score on the breakaway, and I fully expect Man United to be doing the same.
The points are very likely to be going to the team that scores the first goal, and I am expecting that one to be scored by Arsenal from a set piece in the second half. Man United will have to come out and try to get an equaliser leaving them vulnerable to Arsenal’s second goal. When that happens Wenger will bring on a midfielder for a striker and hold off United to the end.
Arsenal to win 2-0….
FORMSTER