Arsenal v Man Utd

England Premier League – Emirates Stadium Sunday 17.30 CET

Team News:

Arsenal boosts an almost entire clean bill of health for this one with only youngster Max Dowman out injured.  Starting defender Riccardo Calafiori and back up man Piero Hicapie are likely to be on the bench after return from injury.

Man Utd too are in good shape as only starting centre-back Matthijs de Ligt is out injured. Forward Joshua Zirkzee is rated 50/50 but wouldn’t be a starter here for sure.  Right full back Noussair Mazraoui returns from AFCON duty and is available but may not be included from the start.

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Formations:

Arsenal have favoured 4-3-3 in all but three EPL matches and should continue using it today.  With complete defensive solidity they are well drilled, organised and have exceptional danger from any set piece.

Man Utd – We only have one match to go on but highly likely Utd will retain the same 4-2-3-1 that destroyed Man City last week. In what was probably their finest performance in recent years they will likely repeat the same tactics and intensity that rocked Gaurdiola’s men.

Statistics:

Referee: Craig Pawson (Average cards 3.71 Yellow 0.14 Red per game)

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Match Preview:

Arsenal is probably the best club side in the world now. They are gunning for all 4 trophies still. With a 7-point lead they will look to push on into the business end of the season. A full squad to choose from enables them to put out their strongest possible side. I still expect them to be slightly cautious though. The only negative for me is Mikel Arteta being not adventurous enough in big games. Michael Carrick threw himself into the last week and the results were immediate in the Manchester derby. Intensity, pride in the shirt and no little skill was on show. More of the same today and his name will be on the shortlist for the permanent position.

Betting Preview:

A few weeks ago, this would have been an easy home win pick. Everything has changed with the bold decision to bin Amorim.  The odds are moving up on Arsenal, but I think this is a much harder task for United. I don’t expect a flowing game, and a draw here is a decent option at a big price.  Don’t be surprised by a later winner from a corner from the dead ball specialists in red and white.