Old foes Arsenal and Manchester United will have a New Year’s Day showdown, with both desperate for the three points. We take a look at the big talking points, with a handful of betting tips for your consideration. Bet on the match here.
This rivalry has taken on less meaning over the years, as both sides have gradually slipped further away from the business end of the Premier League table. However, both started the season with ambitions of finishing in a Champions League place, and whilst that looks unlikely for the Gunners, there will be no love lost here.
Mikel Arteta has overseen one draw and one defeat since becoming Arsenal’s manager. The Spaniard would love nothing more than to get one over United to cement his first win as a manager.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær can be happy with the Red Devils’ Christmas. After they lost away to Watford, they battered Newcastle 4-1 and dispatched Burnley in professional manner, with a neat 2-0 win.
A United win on New Year’s Day would set them up for a gruelling January that sees them play in the league, FA Cup and League Cup, against opponents such as Liverpool, Manchester City and Wolves. Can they grab three crucial points?
Betting preview
Manchester United come into the game as slight favourites. They have won three of their last five league games, whilst Arsenal have lost their last three games at home in the league. In fact, the Gunners have not secured three points at the Emirates in the Premier League since October. Backing a Manchester United Double Chance at odds of 1.45 could be a money maker.
Marcus Rashford is in good form this season. He has 12 league goals and 19 for club and country in all competitions in 2019/20, two more than he managed all of last season. You can get odds of 2.25 for Rashford to score any time in the game.
With both teams having quality in attack but holes at the back, Both Teams to Score looks like a good bet. Arsenal have scored and conceded in four of their last five home games. The bet has won in three of United’s last five games. Odds of 1.50 are available for Both Teams to Score in this one.
Team news
Arsenal have a defensive crisis on their hands. Kieran Tierney is out until March with a dislocated shoulder, whilst this game comes too soon for fellow left-back Sead Kolasinac. The good news is that Hector Bellerin could be back on the bench, whilst Sokratis, Rob Holding and Gabriel Martinelli will have last minute fitness tests.
Paul Pogba is likely to start for United after being eased back in from a long-term injury. Scott McTominay will not partner him in midfield though, as the Scot is likely to be out for a few more weeks. This game may come too soon for Eric Bailly, who is nearing his return.
Possible line-ups
Arsenal: Leno, Maitland-Niles, Luiz, Mustafi, Saka, Torreira, Xhaka, Pepe, Ozil, Aubameyang, Lacazette
Manchester United: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof, Williams, Pogba, Fred, Perreira, James, Martial, Rashford