So the big day has arrived, and after Tottenham’s loss to Southampton yesterday Arsenal are now in a prime position to challenge for Third Place, never mind Fourth. But to have the very best chance to achieve that, we first have to win today’s crunch game against Man United who are currently one point ahead of us. This is the most crucial day in Arsenal’s race for the Top Four so far this season.
I loved the way that Martin Keown put it yesterday. “Arsenal must prove they have the character and personality required to be successful. Victory will give them belief that they can finish in the top four, just as beating United in 1998 gave us the belief that we could win the title.
“We are about to find out what Arsenal are truly made of.”
And so we will! Great words Martin!
Arsenal simply have to forget Thursday’s loss at Rennes, and just think about how good we are at the Emirates. Let us look at our recent form at home…..
That is a great record and, in fact, we haven’t lost in the League here since the opening day, although Man United did embarrass us here in the FA Cup. It is worth noting though that Tottenham beat us here in the League Cup but we still made mincemeat of them in the League game. Let’s hope the same happens to Man United…
But we have to accept that Ole Gunnar Solksjaer has dramatically improved Man United since taking over from Jose Mourinho, so let’s look at there recent form away from Old Trafford….
Their record of only conceding two goals in the last six away games is quite scary, and the way that they managed to win in Paris on Wednesday with half their team out injured is very scary indeed. Let’s hope they are still caught up in the euphoria of progressing in the Champions League…
United have also had a boost from their injury problems with Matic, Bailly, Martial and Herrera back in contention, and Paul Pogba returns after missing the PSG game through suspension.
Arsenal have no new injuries, but Torreira is out suspended for three games but Lacazette returns after missing the Rennes match.
So which team will Emery pick today? That is always a big question considering that he loves to tinker. But this is my prediction….
Leno
Maitland-Niles..Sokratis..Koscielny..Monreal..Kolasinac
Ramsey..Guendouzi
Lacazette..Aubameyang..Mhkitaryan
Even though United are the visitors, we can’t ignore the fact that Arsenal have won their last 8 at the Emirates. This tells me that the 7/5 for an Arsenal win from BetUK is a great price
We will have to keep it tight at the back but the fact that Arsenal always score at home and also Leno has only kept 3 clean sheets all season, makes me think there will be goals in this game from both sides. An easy bet BTTS at 1/2 from BetUK
But the real value bet is a combination of the two bets above. Arsenal to win and BTTS is 11/4. An excellent bet!
So going by my tips above you can guess that me Score Prediction is 2-1 to Arsenal. COYG!!!!
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