It’s the English Premier League. It’s the weekend. The game begins at 16.30pm (GMT). And that can only mean one thing: ‘Our League TM’ is gearing up for a classic clash between two of the Premier League’s old guard.
On Wednesday night, Michael Olise’s stunning free kick on the verge of full-time ended Manchester United’s nine-game winning streak in all competitions, as Crystal Palace salvaged a 1-1 draw late on. Erik ten Hag’s team, on the other hand, will come into this game full of confidence. The fact remains that United have only lost once in their last 20 games in all competitions (W16 D3 L1), and their statement victory over Manchester City last weekend felt like a true momentum swing.
Things are looking up for Arsenal right now. A potentially season-defining win in the north London derby extended their lead to eight points. It was a hugely significant victory because Arsenal are now favourites to win the Premier League title in both Opta’s predictor model and with the bookmakers for the first time this season. Our model currently gives them a 55.6% chance of winning the Premier League for the first time since 2003-04, when Arsène Wenger was in charge.
The Gunners’ 47 points from 18 Premier League games this season are the most in the club’s history at this stage of the season. Only four Premier League teams have amassed more points than this in their first 18 league games. Both teams have performed admirably against their fellow ‘big six’ rivals (and Newcastle, who may have a stronger claim to the ‘big six’ moniker than Chelsea, Spurs, and Liverpool at the moment).
Manchester United has 14 points from seven games against these teams, while Arsenal has 13 from six. Those are the two best records in this mini-league. While some people around the world take the day off on Sunday, Arsenal and Manchester United have traditionally worked on it.
This will be the pair’s 29th Premier League meeting on a Sunday, with only Chelsea vs. Liverpool (32) and Liverpool vs. Man Utd (31) occurring more frequently on that day of the week. Furthermore, the game will be played at the venerable 16:30 GMT time slot, which is ideal for goals and drama.
Arsenal drew level through Bukayo Saka, but two goals from Marcus Rashford capped off a fantastic day for the Red Devils.Arsenal entered the game as league leaders, having won their first five games. After twelve games, this is still their only loss of the season. In fact, Arsenal will be the first team in Premier League history to lead both league meetings against Manchester United in the same season this Sunday.
United will be attempting to complete only their second league double over Arsenal since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, having done so only in 2017-18 under José Mourinho.
Match Prediction
Arsenal 2-2 Manchester United
