Arsenal vs Manchester United

Emirates Stadium

5:30pm

Arsenal’s lead at the top of the premier league log could be down to just two points by the time they face off with Manchester United at the Emirates, that is the pressure of the premier league and also enough motivation for the Gunners.

The league leaders went to Tottenham last weekend and returned with three points off a dominant performance and disciplined display, they have to do it again when United visit and it’s going to underline their season whether they become champions or fall off under pressure.

Manchester United followed up their Manchester Derby win with a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace in midfield with Michael Olise firing home the leveler with arguably the last kick of the game but that was not the only pain for the Red Devils.

Casemiro’s yellow card in the second half of the game means he would miss the trip to the Emirates and that leaves Eric Ten Hag with questions for the midfield. The big Brazilian has been instrumental in the middle of the park for United and now he has to call on Fred and Scot McTominay.

United beat Arsenal 3-1 in the first leg at Old Trafford and that remains the only loss the Gunners have suffered all season, can Manchester United do it again? The incentives are quite huge for the visitors, they win, they go third and straight into the title race.

Arsenal’s win on Sunday would mean two things; keeping up the energy at the top and also proving they’re no longer the weakling that buckles under big game pressure. Their undoing in recent past is their inability to pick points in big games, they’re doing great in that regard this season.

Who are the players to watch out for? Marcus Rashford is in the form of his life and he will hope to improve on his four goals and two assists against the Gunners while Bruno Fernandes will roam around to create opportunities.

For the hosts, Martin Odegaard will be immense; the front three of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddy Nketiah will trouble United but there’s also a certain Leandro Trossard on the bench to add salt to injuries if called upon.

United won’t mind a draw as it also helps them to sustain momentum in the top four race but anything short of victory for Arsenal would get pundits questioning their title credentials. Arsenal is a little hungrier for this but United will put up a fight.

Verdict: Straight win Arsenal