Arsenal vs. Manchester United Predictions: Two tips for this huge battle for fourth place

The weekend is here and a huge game awaits on BT Sport with a 12:30 kick off, as Manchester United take the trip to The Emirates where they face Arsenal in an exciting battle for top four.

After three consecutive Premier League defeats, Arsenal turned it all around at a crucial time to beat Chelsea 4-2 at Stamford Bridge, to keep their top four hopes alive. Eddie Nketiah took the lead role up front for the Gunners, with a blistering performance, scoring two goals with a total of five shots at goal. He has now equalled Alexandre Lacazette's non-penalty goals tally in the Premier League (2) for this season, playing 1,439 minutes less. Lacazette is available for Saturdays match, but its likely Arteta will keep faith in the 22 year-old and reward him with back to back starts. Its likely Arsenal start with a similar team to which put four past Chelsea in mid-week, with the only potential changes being Ben White back at centre-half. This means Cedric Soares could return at right back for the Gunners.

A devastating blow for Manchester United fans in midweek as they were schooled by one of their greatest rivals, Liverpool. Sheer dominance from start to finish, with a complete lack of desire from the United players, a mammoth task is ahead if Ralph Rangnick is to get this team over the line and into Champions League football next season. Sitting in 6th place, just three points behind Spurs and Arsenal, all three points are imperative for the Red Devils. With a fixture against Chelsea still to come where gaining points looks unlikely, a loss here will almost put the nail in the coffin. Sancho should return to the starting XI here against Arsenal, with McTominay also likely to replace the injured Paul Pogba after he suffered a calf injury against Liverpool in midweek. Ronaldo was back in training on Wednesday after missing the Liverpool battering due to the tragic passing of his son, likely to be back in the starting XI for this crucial top four battle.

Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Ramsdale; Cedric, White, Gabriel, Tavares; Xhaka, Elneny; Saka, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Nketiah

Manchester United possible starting lineup:
De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof, Telles; Matic, McTominay; Elanga, Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo

The 1x2 markets aren’t typically what I delve into, but I really like the Asian handicap line on Arsenal at -0.25 here. This bet is essentially half of your stake on Arsenal to win and the other half on Arsenal draw no bet. If Arsenal win, you are paid out with full stake at 1.81 odds, but if Arsenal are to draw, you get half of your stake returned.

Arsenal may have lost three on the bounce prior to the thrilling win over London rivals Chelsea, but the defending on show from Manchester United has been nothing short of terrible in recent games. Manchester United have lost the xG count in five of their last six matches, only winning against Everton in a 1-0 defeat, with a measly 0.76xG. Their most recent match against Norwich they came out victorious in a 3-2 win, but lost the xG count 1.67 – 1.80 in a terrible display against a side who have the lowest xG and the highest xGa in the league. In front of a home crowd with the pressure on for both sides with a crucial race for top four, I'd much rather have The Gunners on side here.

Victor Lindelof is set to be back in the side with Maguire rumoured to be benched here after some horror shows in recent matches. He looks much more assured on the ball than Maguire and is also a better passer of the ball. 

Lindelof has only cleared this pass line once in his last five matches, but would have cleared it against Atletico Madrid when subbed on 62 passes after only 66 minutes. It’s a game that Manchester United could easily fall behind in and if they do, I expect United's defenders to rack up some passes. In Arsenal's 4-2 victory against Chelsea, Malang Sarr racked up 129 passes. The last seven Arsenal victories have seen an opposing defender clear this line in four of those matches. If they happen to take the lead here, I expect Arteta's side to sit deeper and give up more of the ball which could give this pass line a run for its money. 

@DeanWoodward93 BettingOddsUK 2022 Profit/Loss  +13.18units (36.61% ROI)