Premier League Preview: Arsenal vs Manchester United – Wednesday, December 4, 2024
The Emirates Stadium sets the stage for an electrifying Premier League clash on Wednesday with Arsenal vs Manchester United. Both clubs come into this blockbuster encounter off resounding victories at the weekend, with Arsenal thrashing London rivals West Ham 5-2 and Manchester United cruising to a 4-0 victory over Everton at Old Trafford.
All in all, United will be looking for their first win at the Emirates since December 2017 (when Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils claimed a 3-1 victory over Arsene Wenger’s Gunners). With that said, Arsenal are unbeaten in their last six home league matches against Manchester United, winning five of them (three in a row).
EveryGame has listed Arsenal as the -250 favorites in this matchup with the return on the underdog Machester United being +650.
Arsenal Betting Preview (-250 at EveryGame)
Mikel Arteta’s rejuvenated Arsenal side is firing on all cylinders, making light work of their opponents since the November international break. The Gunners were in imperious form against West Ham, racing to a 4-0 lead within 36 minutes before a Bukayo Saka penalty sealed a dominant first-half performance.
This 5-2 victory extended Arsenal’s winning run to three games across all competitions, all by three or more goals, including an impressive 5-1 win over Ruben Amorim’s former club Sporting CP in the Portuguese capital last Tuesday. As a result, they now sit second in the Premier League table, level on 25 points with London rivals Chelsea, and have drastically improved their Champions League position.
The Emirates has become a fortress for Arsenal this season, with the Gunners remaining unbeaten at home. Six of their last seven matches on home turf have ended in victory, and Arteta’s men have scored in 12 consecutive games at the venue. Wednesday’s clash will also mark the 500th competitive game hosted at the Emirates, a milestone the North London faithful will hope to celebrate with another statement win over an established Premier League rival.
Arsenal’s emphatic win at the London Stadium came at a cost, with Gabriel Magalhaes forced off at halftime due to an aggravated injury. The Brazilian defender’s availability for the midweek clash with Manchester United remains uncertain, while Thomas Partey, Mikel Merino, and youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly are still sidelined.
Elsewhere, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are both confirmed long-term absentees, paving the way for Jakub Kiwior to make his first Premier League start of the season.
Manchester United Betting Preview (+650 at EveryGame)
Manchester United’s fortunes have taken a positive turn lately, first under interim coach Ruud van Nistelrooy and now under new manager Ruben Amorim. The Red Devils thumped Everton 4-0 on Sunday afternoon, with Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee both bagging braces. This victory marked United’s fourth consecutive home win across all competitions and lifted them to ninth place in the Premier League standings, remarkably just four points shy of the top four.
However, United’s struggles on the road persist. A six-game winless streak away from Old Trafford highlights their frailty in hostile environments. They have secured just one away victory this season, a 1-0 triumph over Southampton, and their last win at the Emirates came in a 2019 FA Cup clash.
Injuries continue to plague Manchester United. Portuguese playmaker Bruno Fernandes is expected to recover in time after being subbed off against Everton with an ankle issue, but the Red Devils will miss defender Lisandro Martínez and midfielder Kobbie Mainoo due to suspensions.
Meanwhile, Luke Shaw suffered yet another setback as the England left-back is ruled out with a muscle injury, adding to United’s defensive woes. Harry Maguire’s return from injury is a boost, though, while summer signing Leny Yoro could even make the squad, but don’t expect Amorim to make wholesale changes for such a challenging midweek journey to London.
Possible Starting Lineups of Arsenal vs Manchester United
Arsenal: David Raya – Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Riccardo Calafiori – Martin Odegaard, Jorginho, Declan Rice – Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli. (4-3-3)
Manchester United: Andre Onana – Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire – Amad Diallo, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Diogo Dalot – Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford – Joshua Zirkzee. (3-4-2-1)
Spooky Express Betting Prediction
Arsenal have won their last three Premier League encounters against Manchester United and aim to make it four consecutive league wins over the Red Devils for the first time in history. With United’s away form faltering and some first-team players missing, the Gunners are favorites to confidently extend their strong run at home.
Arsenal are unbeaten at the Emirates since mid-April, when an unexpected 2-0 home loss to Aston Villa damaged their title hopes last season. However, despite Arsenal’s superiority, we should also keep in mind that the gap between both clubs is just six points at the moment, meaning that a surprise Manchester United victory might further lift the spirits at Carrington.
Still, Arteta’s potent Gunners look set to outgun Amorim’s Red Devils, with current form and history on the line for the North London giants in this matchup between Arsenal vs Manchester United.
Spooky Express Free Play: Outcome And Both To Score – Arsenal and Yes +200 at EveryGame for 4/10 Units
