Manchester United vs Arsenal Predictions

Manchester United vs Arsenal predictions for this Premier League clash. Manchester United host Arsenal at Old Trafford in Sunday’s sole Premier League clash, featuring two English football giants. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Premier League | Gameweek 37 – May 12, 2024 at 4.30pm UK at Old Trafford

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Manchester United vs Arsenal Predictions

Title Hopefuls to Test Injury-Hit Defence at Old Trafford

Sunday’s encounter at Old Trafford features a pivotal clash between Manchester United and Arsenal, two titans of English football. The Red Devils are trying to salvage what remains of a turbulent season, while the Gunners are pushing for Premier League supremacy, having edged closer to the title with a string of impressive victories.

Team News and Expected Lineups

Manchester United’s Lineup and Approach

Erik ten Hag’s squad faces a considerable challenge, compounded by a defensive crisis due to injuries. Notably, Casemiro is expected to continue in an unfamiliar centre-back role alongside Jonny Evans. The midfield will likely see Scott McTominay and Kobbie Mainoo support Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Alejandro Garnacho, providing the creative thrust. Rasmus Højlund leads the attack as the focal point.

Expected Manchester United Starting XI:

• Onana; Dalot, Casemiro, Evans, Wan-Bissaka; McTominay, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund.

Arsenal’s Tactical Setup

Mikel Arteta’s side travels with confidence, bolstered by a fully fit squad. The formidable trio of Saka, Havertz, and Trossard upfront, supported by the midfield stability of Odegaard and Partey with Rice, forms a robust setup aimed at exploiting United’s defensive vulnerabilities.

Expected Arsenal Starting XI:

• Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Trossard.

Key Match Insights

1. Defensive Disarray: Manchester United, with 28 goals conceded in their last nine matches, face a severe test against Arsenal, the league’s top scorers.
2. Scoring Form: Arsenal have notched up 88 goals this season, with standout performances from their attacking line.
3. Injury Impact: United’s extensive injury list in defence may limit their ability to contain Arsenal’s dynamic and high-scoring attack.

Tactical Analysis: Areas to Watch

The game is likely to be decided in the midfield battleground and the wide areas. Arsenal’s ability to control the game’s tempo through Rice and Partey, coupled with the attacking prowess of Saka and Trossard on the flanks, could be pivotal. For United, the effectiveness of Fernandes in orchestrating play and linking up with Rashford and Garnacho will be crucial in penetrating Arsenal’s defence.

Tactical Analysis: Deep-Dive

Offensive and Defensive Strategies

Arsenal’s approach this season has been underpinned by an aggressive, possession-based style of play, focusing on quick transitions and maintaining high pressure. The Gunners have excelled in breaking down opponents through the dynamic movement of players like Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard, both of whom have been instrumental in their attacking phases. Saka, with his pace and precision, alongside Trossard’s knack for crucial goals, exemplifies Arsenal’s strategy of exploiting width and depth against defensive setups.

Conversely, Manchester United’s strategy has been less effective, particularly in defence. Ten Hag’s side has struggled to maintain a solid backline, exacerbated by injuries and a lack of form from key players like Casemiro, who has been awkwardly repurposed as a centre-back. This defensive disarray was evident in their recent drubbing by Crystal Palace, where their inability to manage space and track runners resulted in a catastrophic collapse.

Key Player Performances

For Arsenal, the likes of Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice have been pivotal. Ødegaard’s creative mastery and Rice’s defensive acumen have provided Arsenal with balance in midfield, allowing them to control games and dictate the tempo. Their performances have not only facilitated Arsenal’s attacking fluidity but also shored up their defensive solidity.

Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes remains a bright spot in an otherwise murky season. His vision and ability to score crucial goals have often provided a lifeline for the Red Devils. However, the inconsistency around him, including fluctuating performances from Marcus Rashford and the underwhelming deployment of Scott McTominay, has hindered United’s ability to establish rhythm in their play.

Managerial Impact and Tactical Nuances

Mikel Arteta’s impact on Arsenal is profound. He has instilled a clear identity within the team, focusing on tactical flexibility and mental toughness. Arteta’s ability to adapt to different game situations has been a hallmark of Arsenal’s campaign, propelling them to the top of the league.

Erik ten Hag, meanwhile, seems to be at his wit’s end with Manchester United. His tactical setups have often been unconvincing, with the team lacking a clear strategic direction. This season, Ten Hag’s management has been underwhelming, with questionable decisions, particularly in defence, leading to poor results. His reliance on out-of-position players like Casemiro in defence is a testament to a broader strategic misalignment and a desperate lack of options.

Expected Goals and Tactical Comparison

Arsenal’s expected goals (xG) metric underscores their efficiency in front of goal, boasting one of the highest in the league, a reflection of their clinical attacking play. Manchester United’s xG, while decent, is marred by their higher expected goals against (xGA), which points to significant defensive vulnerabilities.

In a tactical comparison, Arsenal’s robust midfield setup, led by Partey and Rice, contrasts sharply with Manchester United’s often disjointed midfield play. Arsenal’s ability to transition rapidly from defence to attack has allowed them to dominate games, a facet sorely missing in United’s strategy this season.

Criticism of Erik ten Hag

While Arteta’s prowess has enhanced Arsenal’s title credentials, ten Hag’s tenure at Manchester United is increasingly looking like a misadventure. His stubborn tactical philosophies and poor personnel choices have contributed to United’s dismal performances, raising questions about his suitability for the role. His handling of the team’s defensive setup, particularly the mismanagement of Casemiro’s role, has been nothing short of a tactical blunder.

Predictions and Rationale

Best Bet: Arsenal -1 to Win

Arsenal enters this matchup as the form side, having secured a strong sequence of wins that underscore their title credentials. In contrast, Manchester United has been floundering, particularly in defence, which has been their Achilles heel throughout the season.

With United’s backline compromised by injuries and makeshift defensive pairings, Arsenal’s high-scoring attack, led by the likes of Saka and Trossard, appears well-placed to exploit any vulnerabilities. Arsenal’s robust performance in away games further tilts the odds in their favour, making a decisive win for the Gunners the best bet for this encounter.

Correct Score: Arsenal 3-1 Manchester United

Supporting the prediction of an Arsenal victory, a 3-1 result reflects both Arsenal’s offensive potency and Manchester United’s capacity to score at home despite their broader struggles. Arsenal’s attack, averaging significantly more goals per game than United, coupled with United’s defensive frailties, lays a solid foundation for expecting multiple goals from the visitors.

However, given United’s consistent scoring record at home in 2024, they are likely to notch at least a consolation goal, leading to a 3-1 scoreline in favour of Arsenal.

Goalscorer Prediction: Leandro Trossard to Score Anytime

Leandro Trossard has emerged as a key player in Arsenal’s attacking setup, demonstrating a keen eye for goal with significant strikes in recent matches. His ability to find space and his sharp shooting skills make him a prime candidate to score against a United defence that has been less than robust.

Trossard’s current form, including goals in three of his last four starts, suggests he will be among the goals again, particularly as Arsenal will look to exploit the central defensive gaps that United has exhibited.

Corner Prediction: Arsenal More Corners, Total Over 10

The dynamic nature of this fixture, combined with the attacking inclinations of both sides, is expected to result in a high number of corners. Arsenal, with their aggressive attacking down the flanks facilitated by Saka and Trossard, are likely to push forward and win several corners.

Manchester United, not to be outdone, will also contribute to the corner count as they seek to penetrate Arsenal’s defence. Predicting more than ten corners in total reflects the anticipated back-and-forth nature of the game, with Arsenal likely securing a greater share due to their pressing style of play.

Shot on Target Prediction: Bruno Fernandes to Have 1+ Shots on Target

Bruno Fernandes, as Manchester United’s midfield linchpin, frequently finds himself in positions to shoot from both open play and set-pieces. His technical ability and penchant for attempting shots from distance make him a likely candidate to register one or more shots on target.

In a game where United will be keen to assert themselves and respond to Arsenal’s challenge, Fernandes’ role will be crucial, and his tendency to take responsibility on the pitch supports the prediction of him testing the Arsenal goalkeeper.

Yellow Card Prediction: Scott McTominay

In a match expected to be tightly contested in midfield, Scott McTominay’s role as a combative presence for Manchester United comes into focus. Known for his physical style of play, McTominay often finds himself in the thick of the action, which increases the likelihood of accruing fouls and, consequently, receiving a yellow card.

Against an Arsenal midfield that includes agile and quick-thinking players like Odegaard and Rice, McTominay’s assertiveness in breaking up play is likely to see him booked.

Assist Prediction: Martin Ødegaard

Martin Ødegaard has been instrumental in Arsenal’s playmaking duties throughout the season, linking play and setting up goal-scoring opportunities. His vision and precise passing ability make him an ideal candidate to register an assist in this crucial match.

Facing a Manchester United team that has shown vulnerabilities in their defensive organisation, Ødegaard’s knack for crafting key passes will be pivotal in unlocking the defence, making him a strong choice for an assist provider in the encounter.

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