*Match preview and betting tips provided by SVB Tips
Manchester United are looking to escape the Premier League doldrums, but picking up three points against Arsenal is not going to be easy. The Red Devils have failed to secure a win in 90 minutes in any of their last four encounters with the current second-placed team.
UNITED: 19 POINTS OUT OF 42 AT HOME
The 2024/25 season has been a forgettable one for United, with their only chance of a trophy lying in the Europa League, where they drew 1-1 with Real Sociedad in the first leg of Thursday's Round of 16 clash. This is also the Red Devils’ potential route to the Champions League, but they are in a disastrous form in the Premier League, currently sitting 14th with 33 points, tied with 13th-place Tottenham and 15th-place West Ham United.
Relegation is unlikely, with a 16-point gap from 18th-place Ipswich, but United have a negative goal difference, and more importantly, only 19 points from 42 possible at home. They’ve lost seven of their 14 home matches, with only two wins in their last five games at Old Trafford.
Ahead of the Arsenal match, United are clearly focused on their Europa League return leg with Sociedad next Thursday, so Ruben Amorim might make some changes to his lineup.
However, the Portuguese coach has limited options, with Mason Mount, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Altay Bayindir, Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, and Luke Shaw all injured. Manuel Ugarte, Harry Maguire, and Toby Collyer are alos doubtful, meaning Chido Obi or Rasmus Hojlund could feature in the attack.
Moreover, United have failed to beat Arsenal in their last four encounters, suffering three defeats and one draw in the FA Cup, with United progressing after a penalty shootout in January.
ARSENAL: CONDEMNED TO SECOND PLACE?
Arsenal have suffered only one defeat in their last 15 matches and is coming off a dominant 7-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League Round of 16, meaning they are not forced to rest their key players ahead of the return leg next week.
However, the Gunners have minimal chances of winning the title, as they are 13 points behind Liverpool, albeit with one game in hand. They also have a healthy cushion ahead of Nottingham Forest and Manchester City, who will already have taken points off each other on Saturday.
That said, Arsenal have not won in their last two Premier League matches, losing 1-0 to West Ham and drawing 0-0 with Nottingham Forest. The last three Arsenal games have ended with under 2.5 goals, and their previous three encounters with United also saw under 2.5 goals. On the other hand, 10 of United's 14 home matches have produced over 2.5 goals, with two of the four under 2.5 goal games coming in the last five home matches.
Arsenal also have injury concerns, with five players sidelined, including key forwards Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz. Takehiro Tomiyasu, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli are also out due to injuries, leaving Arteta with limited attacking options.
Betting Suggestions:
- Arsenal to Win: Arsenal remain the stronger side in terms of form, with only one defeat in their last 15 matches. United's poor home record, coupled with key injuries, will make it difficult for them to overcome a high-performing Arsenal side.
- Under 2.5 Goals: Both teams have been involved in low-scoring matches with recently. Arsenal's last three matches in the Premier League and their previous three encounters with United have ended with under 2.5 goals.