Arsenal F.C. vs. Manchester United
The Gunners are coming into the toughest stretch of games in the 09/10 season. Over the next 3 games they will face Manchester United, Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC consecutively and are away to Porto in the Champion’s League just a week later. Arsene Wenger will be keeping all of his fingers crossed that the injuries plaguing his team during the first half of the season will not continue into the second. The Gunners are just 1 point behind Manchester United after failing to get all 3 from their midweek visit to Villa Park. The scoreless draw followed a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Stoke City and may begin to hurt the players confidence. However, Arsenal are 9-1-1 while at home and average 3 goals scored to only 1 conceded. In such an important match, expect the Gunners to bring their best.
Although Manchester United have recently held the upper hand in terms of head-to-head play, they have never managed to win a Premier League match at Emirates Stadium. The reigning champs will be surging with confidence after their 3-1 Carling Cup victory over rivals Manchester City on Wednesday. Wayne Rooney has scored no less than 5 goals in the past 2 matches and will be game to prove his worth against the Gunners as well.
Match details:
Arsenal F.C. vs. Manchester United
Sunday, January 31, 2010 – 5:00 pm CET
24th match day
Emirates Stadium – London
Probable squads:
Arsenal F.C.:
Almunia – Sagna, Gallas, Campbell, Clichy – Fabregas, Denilson, Arshavin, Rosicky – Eduardo, Ramsey
Manchester United:
Van der Sar – Evra, Evans, Brown, Neville – Valencia, Carrick, Scholes, Anderson – Rooney, Berbetov
Current table:
3 Arsenal F.C.: Overall: 15-4-4, Home: 9-1-1, Away: 6-3-3, GD: +34
2 Manchester United: Overall: 16-2-5, Home: 10-1-1, Away: 6-1-4, GD: +34
Head-to-Head in EPL:
29-08-2009 Manchester United – Arsenal 2 – 1
16-05-2009 Manchester United – Arsenal 0 – 0
08-11-2008 Arsenal – Manchester United 2 – 1
13-04-2008 Manchester United – Arsenal 2 – 1
03-11-2007 Arsenal – Manchester United 2 – 2
21-01-2008 Arsenal – Manchester United 2 – 1
17-09-2006 Manchester United – Arsenal 0 – 1
Prediction:
Arsenal are coming off a few poor performances and will be looking to rise to the occasion at home.
Conversely, the Red Devils are coming off of 2 very strong performances and will be ready for their first Emirates victory.
Both teams have an incredibly talented squad and both managers know how important this match is. In light of head-to-head as well as recent results, Sir Alex’s men should play with enough determination to get either a draw or outright win.
Prediction: Manchester United -0.25 (Asian Handicap)
Best Odds: 2.43 @ Tipico Sportsbook