Manchester United v Arsenal Preview: Goals, Goals, Goals

Join William Hill today, bet £25 and get a £25 Free bet!*

Another big game awaits Manchester United this weekend as Arsenal, their chief rivals from the last decade but not so relevant these days, travel to Old Trafford. Although the Gunners have failed to maintain any sustained title challenge in the recent past, this still remains one of the biggest rivalries in England owing to its rich recent history.

Despite their League Cup exit to Chelsea, United fans can be quite pleased with the club’s recent form in the league. The Red Devils have managed to catch up with early league leaders Chelsea and are just one point behind the London club at the moment courtesy of a memorable win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last weekend. United have had a tough run of fixtures off late and the 2-3 loss to Tottenham remains the only blip in their recent league record.

William Hill are giving odds of 5/2 for Robin van Persie to score and United to win. If you’re backing United to win, it’s a good bet to put your free £25 on!

Manchester United have the best striker force in the league and off late they have been scoring for fun. United have managed to score 18 goals in their last five games (in all competitions). In fact they have scored the most number of goals in the league; three more than Chelsea. But interestingly, this in-form United attack will come up against an Arsenal side which boasts the best defensive record in the league. The Gunners have conceded just six goals in the league so far.

So this Saturday, statistically, League’s best attack will go up against the league’s best defense. Something’s got to give, and looking at Arsenal’s defending against United in recent seasons, it’s bound to be the defending on both sides.

The only worry for Sir Alex has been United’s shaky defense this season, which has got much to do with the number of injuries they had to deal with. The absence of Vidic hasn’t helped the cause. United have conceded a staggering 11 goals in their last four games (in all competition).

Arsenal are coming into this match on the back of a thrilling 7-5 victory over Reading with a second string side. But the first team has struggled in the league and Europe to score goals off late. The fact that they are missing Robin van Persie is quite obvious.

Interestingly, United have the worst defensive record among the top six clubs in the Premier League at the moment (along with Tottenham) having conceded 13 goals so far, and this weekend they will come up against an Arsenal side who have the worst goal scoring record among the top six clubs (having scored 14 in nine games).

The good news for United fans is that Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are close to returning to action, although they will not feature in this game against Arsenal. Vidic and Kagawa remains the only long term injury concerns for United as of now.

Manchester United will start as favorites against Arsenal this weekend. United have won eight and lost just one of their last 10 matches against the Gunners in all competitions. Last year’s 8-2 demolition must still be fresh in the minds of the traveling fans, but there is unlikely to be a repeat of that scoreline this time around as this season Arsenal’s defense is far more organized. But Arsenal’s scoring record at this ground in abysmal; the London club has managed to score just 10 goals in their last 20 visits to Old Trafford.

Match Predictions: I would predict United to win this match by at least a two goals margin. Manchester United to win with a 3-1 scoreline is at 12/1 with William Hill*, while a 4-2 win is at 80/1* (do you think Arsenal can’t score twice against this United defense?).

Manchester United v Arsenal betting

Robin van Persie to score first is at 7/2* and given how fired up he will be to perform against his former team, this could be a very good bet.

You can also expect plenty of goals going in this game looking at recent matches involving both sides, and Over 5.5 could be a cheeky bet at 8/1* seeing that 5+ goals in a big game wasn’t uncommon last season and that doesn’t seem to have changed this season either.

The outcome of the game is far from certain and there are plenty of good bets to be made on the game. With a free bet offer, great prices and 100s of betting options available (including in-play betting), William Hill are an ideal choice for betting on Manchester United v Arsenal (and other Premier League games).

Check out the latest betting odds for Manchester United v Arsenal on William Hill* and don’t forget to check on their priority prices and in-play betting options closer to game time.

* Terms & Conditions apply – see on site for details. All offers are correct at time of publishing but can be subject to change.