Arsenal can record a narrow 2-1 win over Manchester United.
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Arsenal host Manchester United at the Emirates as they aim to bounce back from their midweek defeat.
Mikel Arteta’s side have finished 2nd in the last two Premier League seasons, and they are lagging behind the leaders once again. The Gunners haven’t won silverware since lifting the FA Cup in Arteta’s first season at the club. This competition could be their best chance of a trophy once again after their 2-0 defeat in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final against Newcastle.
The Gunners have been overly reliant on goals from set pieces of late. The injury to Bukayo Saka has compounded this issue, but they were able to rely on set-piece prowess to beat United at this ground in the Premier League.
Ruben Amorim faces the difficult challenge of altering United’s style of play midway through the season. Results were poor over the festive period, leaving the team in the bottom half of the Premier League. However, the draw at Anfield has offered a glimpse of hope for United fans.
Manchester United are the FA Cup holders but face a battle to make it to the fourth round after being handed a tough draw. Momentum is key for Amorim, and a win at the Emirates would certainly be a boost.
The probable lineup for Arsenal in the “system of play.”
Raya; Zinchenko, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Jorginho, Merino, Odegaard; Sterling, Jesus, Martinelli
The probable lineup for Manchester United in the “system of play.”
Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez; Dalot, Ugarte, Mainoo, Mazraoui; Diallo, Fernandes, Zirkzee
Arsenal squandered chances in front of goal during their defeat to Newcastle. They racked up an xG of 3.76 as Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber both missed great opportunities in front of goal. Arteta’s side are unlikely to be as wasteful again, so we are backing them to win as the first of our Arsenal vs Manchester United predictions.
The Gunners have lost just one of their 15 home matches across all competitions this season. During that run of fixtures, they scored 1.40 more goals per game than their opponents.
The Red Devils showed significant improvement against Liverpool, but their recent form against Arsenal is still cause for concern. They have lost their last four games against the Gunners and failed to pose a threat to the home side when they played at the Emirates in December. Amorim hopes the improvement he saw against Liverpool continues here, but Arsenal still have the edge.
Gabriel Jesus was likely frustrated by not starting the midweek clash against Newcastle, but he is expected to return to the starting 11 for this game. The striker enjoyed a good run of form over the festive period, so we are backing him to score as part of our Arsenal vs Manchester United predictions.
Jesus got back into the team with Kai Havertz struggling to find the net. He has now scored six goals in his last six appearances for Arsenal and has been a constant threat. A lack of goals saw Gabriel lose his place in the team. His average of 0.37 non-penalty xG per 90 played over the last 12 months leaves a lot to be desired, but there are signs that the Brazilian has added more goals to his game.
Since the start of last season, Arsenal have had the best defensive record in the top tier of English football, but we are backing both teams to score in this FA Cup tie.
Manchester United were brave in their 2-2 draw at Anfield last weekend. They troubled the Liverpool defence, who have conceded the fewest goals in this campaign. The game also showed how much Amorim can improve the team if given a full week on the training pitch. They now have ample time to prepare once again.
Arsenal have kept just one clean sheet in their last six competitive matches. They have also conceded in five of their last six meetings with Manchester United at the Emirates.
With United keen to build some momentum, we should see an end-to-end clash with both teams showing plenty of attacking impetus. Arsenal deserve their favourites tag, but it’s not an easy assignment.