Prediction and odds for the game: Arsenal (8/5) v Manchester United (31/20)
We are backing the away win.
When: Wednesday 1st January 2020, Kick-off 8 PM
Where: The Emirates Stadium
Arsenal
New Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has made a less than an impressive start to his career in the Gunners. A 1-1 draw at Bournemouth in his managerial was followed up by a 2-1 loss against London rivals Chelsea last time out. The defeat against the Blues was slightly unfortunate for Arteta’s team, but individual error once again cost them dearly.
The defeat against Chelsea means that Arsenal’s recent record in the Premier League does not make for pretty reading for their fans, as the Gunners have won just one of their last 12 outings in the English top-flight while failing to win in their last four top-flight games. The poor recent run of results have lead to Arsenal being just six points above the relegation zone.
Even Arsenal’s usually solid home form has slipped of late, as they have now failed to win in six Premier League matches at the Emirates, suffering three consecutive defeats on home soil in the process. One of the main factors in that recent poor home record is atrocious defending, as they have conceded at least twice in five of their last six league matches on home soil.
Despite their poor results this season, Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has remained in form, scoring at five goals in his last seven league appearances.
Manchester United
The Red Devils fortunes have improved of late, as back-to-back wins over the festive period have moved Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team to within four points of the Champions League spots.
United form all around of late has been improving, as they have won four of their last six league matches heading into this potentially big game. A key to that turnaround in form has been that the visitors have found their scoring boots, scoring at least twice in seven of their last nine outings in the top-flight.
England international striker Marcus Rashford has hit form of late, scoring seven times in their last nine outings in the English top-flight.
United recent away record in the Premier League is inconsistent, as they have won just three of their last 14 matches on their travels. However, all three of those wins have come in their last six away matches. The visitors have also scored at least twice in four of their last six away games in the top-flight.
Conclusion
Manchester United definitely head into this game as the team in better form. Arsenal are still finding their feet under new boss Arteta, but still seem highly vulnerable in defence. With these two facts in mind, we are backing the away win for our first bet.
We are also backing the over 2.5 goals scored, as both of these teams tend to be involved in high-scoring encounters. We expect this game to be no different.
Verdict: Back the away win at odds of 31/20 and/or the over 2.5 goals at odds of 4/6. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
[geosnippet id=3620]Arsenal v Manchester United looks like a bettor’s dream, so check out our recommended bookmakers on our betting page. If this was your sort of article, you can check out plenty similar on our soccer predictions page.
Can Mikel Arteta pick up his first win as Arsenal head coach?
