Arsenal vs Manchester United Prediction: Carrick & Co to avoid DEFEAT

Arsenal are the gold standard in the Premier League; they are also the gold standard in Europe. All is going well for Mikel Arteta's men at present. Even two successive stalemates has seen the Gunners extend their domestic margin of error at the top of the table. The sight of silverware now much closer than it was before. 

Sunday sees them play host to a Manchester United side who were reborn last weekend, live on Sky Sports (16:30). Their demolition of Manchester City saw Michael Carrick earn local bragging rights within the footprint of the M60 motorway, now he will want to see his team motor to another three points...

*You can check out all of our Premier League Odds over on betfred.com

Team News

Arsenal's injury woes could be lighter before Manchester United arrive at the Emirates. Both Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori have returned to first team training but unsurprisingly, manager Mikel Arteta has refused to confirm whether either will be in the starting eleven on Sunday. 

With second guessing in mind, do not be surprised if Jurrien Timber starts at left back. At the same time, do not be surprised if one of Arteta's returnees are given the nod instead. Further forward, the rest given to Victor Gyokeres in midweek suggest that his Italian cameo will lead to a start in attack.  

As for the visitors Manchester United, it is likely to be double Dutch when it comes to absenteeism. Joshua Zirkzee is set to be our for another two weeks, the striker aiming to return before next month's clash with Tottenham. Defender Matthijs de Ligt still suffering from the back injury he collected last November. 

However, manager Michael Carrick can now call upon Noussair Mazaroui after his AFCON adventure. The Moroccan international missed eight games due to international duty but may find it difficult to return to first team action after how his club teammates performed last Saturday at home to Manchester City.

Today's Football Fixtures

Match Odds: 

Arsenal are priced as favourites at 3/5 to win this game, with Manchester United the underdogs at 9/2. That gives the home team an implied win probability of 62.5% while a draw can be backed at 16/5. 

BTTS has been priced at 8/11 and over 2.5 goals is 4/6, while Victor Gyokeres is the favourite to score first at 4/1.  

*You can check out the full betting market and Arsenal vs Manchester United Odds over on betfred.com

Under 2.5 Goals @ 6/5 

Two goalless draws for Arsenal these past couple of weeks, if they are to win this season's edition of the Premier League, it feels as if they are going to grind their way to a first success in 22 years. The visit of Manchester United has all the conditions for peak 'Arteta ball', the historical signs are already there. 

The last four games in all competitions between these two outfits have seen under 2.5 goals, even with Arsenal's convincing win against Inter in midweek, I am not convinced that there will be a plethora of goals at the Emirates. Therefore, two is the maximum I am hoping for as all the Gunners need to do is keep ticking over at the top of the table.  

Draw or Manchester United @ 11/8 

Which leads me to my next tip. Considering the gap at the top between Arsenal and their nearest challengers, there is an element of free hit for Mikel Arteta's men on Sunday. Regardless of the outcome, they will still end the week at the top of the table, a scenario that a revitalised Manchester United can pounce upon. 

Last week's performance has to be the standard from here until May. New manager bounce on show last weekend, still plenty of spring in Michael Carrick's tenure before Spring arrives. To play in exactly the same way as the win over City may be risky but to play not to lose is right up my street. I fancy the Red Devils to get something from this encounter.  

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