Premier League betting – Arsenal vs Man Utd

Arsenal vs Man Utd betting odds, tips & free bets

Arsenal: League Position: 3rd League Form: DWDDL

Arsenal come into this game now with second place to play for, but third place to secure. It was almost unthinkable two weeks again that Arsenal would not finish in the top three, but now points dropped here could leave the door open for Manchester City to leapfrog the despondent Gunners. It’s safe to say there title challenge is over, mathematically so or not.

One win in seven league games is appalling for a team looking to win the title, and now their mental strength has come into question again. To say the pressure is off now would be naive, the Arsenal fans are not happy with their side and will demand a performance. If the shackles are off they could play with the freedom that will only benefit their style, and they have clearly suffered with the weight of title expectations.

The positives? Cesc Fabregas has been fit and playing well, whilst Robin van Persie has scored 18 goals in 19 games for Arsenal in 2011.

Manchester United: League Position: 1st , League Form: WWWDW

There are not many statistical reasons to back Manchester United away from home in the Premier League this season. Joint most away draws in the league and the least away wins of any of the top five. Not fantastic reading, but their collective team spirit to win the league dragged them through the difficult phases for the season, and now they have hit form.

The last two ties at The Emirates have ended 3-1 to United, with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side absorbing much pressure from Arsenal before launching astonishing counter-attacks at speed. Manchester United are unbeaten in their last seven meetings with Arsenal, winning six (including the last four). The press have continued to talk about how the team need not lose here, but the team and fans are surely confident they can win this and leave themselves needing only a draw with Chelsea at home next up to secure the title, or four points from their last two if Chelsea beat them.

Berbatov may return to fitness in time to feature, but Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez are on such form it’s hard to see them not starting. They seem to be enjoying their football, with devastating effect, and any tiredness in their legs will be gone by Wednesday’s Champions League fixture.

Match Prediction: Manchester United Win – 2.9 William Hill

Although United’s title hopes will be done no harm by a draw and their away record is poor, they have the Indian sign over Arsenal at the moment, in terms of results, trophies and sheer match-winning style.

The weaknesses in the Arsenal side are so apparent when compared with this United team. There is no grit, no experience of success and no collective. They pass the ball fantastically, but if it’s not the perfect goal with them it’s often not completed. Manchester United battle to win games, Arsenal will only win on their terms.

Rooney, Hernandez, Nani, Valencia, Giggs, Berbatov, all these six won’t play, yet you feel a combination of all three going forward will be too much for a weak Arsenal defence. Both teams strength is in attack, Arsenal look as bad in defence recently as they have for years, whilst United have struggled. Both teams to score could be a good bet.

With the usual goalscorers short as they are, Arsenal’s weakness at corners could see a good value bet nick the first goal. Both Bolton goals were from corners last weekend, and for the second midfielder Tamir Cohen beat centre back Johan Djourou in the air to score. Nemanja Vidic, an aerial warrior, will be licking his lips at the prospect of attacking any crosses he can.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 2.00 Paddy Power
First Goalscorer: Nemanja Vidic – 29.00 Blue Sq
Correct Score: 3-1 Man Utd Win – 26.00 Stan James
Anytime Goalscorer: Robin Van Persie – 2.63 Bet Fred
Both Teams to Score – 1.75 BlueSq

By Chris Wilkerson

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