Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Unibet
In a rivalry that is steeped in history, Manchester United will welcome a high-flying Arsenal to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester United
Starting with the hosts, while Manchester United might have opened the 2022/23 campaign in the midst of a very public struggle, the Red Devils appear to have put those issues behind them. Despite getting the new season underway with back-to-back defeats against Brighton and Brentford, new boss Erik ten Hag has been filled with praise for his side’s recent boost. Last seen on Thursday night picking up a 1-0 victory away at a struggling Leicester, the ex-Ajax manager has now seen his side win each of their last three Premier League outings. With their recent improvements highlighted by that shock 2-1 win against Liverpool on August 22nd, United will be desperate to keep up that momentum here. Skyrocketing their way up the table and now opening this weekend’s fixtures sat just a single point adrift of breaking into the top-four, ten Hag’s new-look side are certainly on the rise. With the likes of Jadon Sancho enjoying an impressive start to the new campaign, the Reds will be looking to lay down a real marker on home soil.
Team News
Once again settling for a spot on the bench away at Leicester in midweek, both Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire are likely to find themselves among the substitutes here.
However, making the blockbuster move from European champions Real Madrid this summer, Brazilian international Casemiro will be hoping to make a first start on Sunday afternoon.
Arsenal
As for the visitors, although Arsenal might have eventually missed out on booking a Champions League return last season, the Gunners are in the midst of a stunning purple patch. Last seen earlier in the week when picking up a deserved 2-1 victory at home against Aston Villa, Mikel Arteta’s side have won each of their first five Premier League outings. Now the only top-flight side that can boast a 100% start to the 2022/23 campaign, it appears the mood around the Emirates is at a red-hot high. Appearing to finally be on course to clinch a top-four finish this time around, Sunday’s guests should also be boosted by an eye-catching record against their historic rivals. Landing a 3-1 win when they welcomed United to north London back on April 23rd, Arteta’s high-flyers have lost just one of their last seven top-flight showdowns against the former champions. With their summer signings making an immediate impact, Arsenal could be smelling the chance to cause an upset at Old Trafford.
Team News
Finding the net against Villa on Wednesday night and already notching three Premier League strikes since arriving in north London, Gabriel Jesus will spearhead Arteta’s charge here.
However, once again missing out earlier in the week with a knee issue, Arsenal are still sweating over the fitness of Oleksandr Zinchenko on Sunday afternoon.
Key Factors to Consider- When the two English giants last faced off on April 23rd, Arsenal picked up a 3-1 victory in north London.
- Likewise, the Gunners have lost just one of their previous seven Premier League meetings against Sunday’s hosts.
- Eight of their last nine meetings at Old Trafford have finished with both teams finding the net.
- Winning each of their opening five Premier League matchups, Arsenal are the only Premier League teams that boast a 100% start to the 2022/23 campaign.
- However, Manchester United have now won each of their last three Premier League outings by an aggregate score of 4-1.
Conclusion
While Manchester United might have managed to find a much-needed boost over the past fortnight, they will know that they face a tough task on Sunday afternoon. Watching Arsenal win each of their opening five Premier League matchups, the Gunners are the only top-flight side who can boast a 100% start to the 2022/23 campaign. However, in a showdown between two historic rivals here, it should be noted that they do have a habit of producing fireworks. In fact, with eight of their previous nine Premier League battles at Old Trafford finishing with both teams finding the net, we’re backing a similar outcome this weekend.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Unibet
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