Manchester United did Arsenal a favour last weekend by beating Manchester City but they could offer a helping hand to the chasing pack by avoiding defeat at the leaders
Manchester United did Arsenal a huge favour by beating Manchester City 2-0 at Old Trafford last weekend, but their improved performance poses a threat to the Gunners as the teams prepare to face each other at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Michael Carrick must have been delighted by the reaction he got from the United players, but he will be well aware of the need to maintain high standards as he strives to lead the club to Champions League qualification.
Arsenal have not lost a Premier league home game since May 2025.
They have established a handy cushion at the top of the table but will be keen for a return to winning ways after back-to-back draws.
The key contest in London is the subject of a bet builder which, if successful, returns odds of 8/1.
Arsenal v Manchester United Bet Builder tips
- Manchester United or draw double chance @ 7/5
- Bryan Mbeumo to score anytime @ 14/5
- Under 3.5 goals @ 9/20This three-leg Bet Builder pays out at 8/1.
Resurgent Red Devils can register another notable result
Manchester United got off to the perfect start under Carrick and are overpriced to follow by avoiding defeat against the title favourites.
Getting the better of Arsenal would be an even bigger achievement, because the Gunners have been the outstanding team in the opening five months of the campaign.
Mikel Arteta’s side are approaching the game with confidence after Tuesday’s 3-1 victory away at Inter Milan, which maintained their 100 per cent record in the Champions League.
The Gunners have topped the Premier League standings since early October, but they were unable to get over the line in goalless draws against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest and are facing an arguably trickier test against United, who have had a free week to get themselves into the best possible mental and physical shape.
United were worthy winners against City because they defended with intelligence and intensity and always looked a threat on the counter-attack.
They will look to utilise similar tactics in north London and can come away with at least a share of the spoils.
Leg 1: Manchester United or draw double chance @ 7/5
Mbeumo can make his mark
Arsenal will look to play on the front foot but they need to be mindful of United’s threat on the transitions.
There is nobody better than Bruno Fernandes to pick out a defence-splitting pass and he has some good targets to aim for thanks to the pace of Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Matheus Cunha.
Mbeumo scored the second goal in the victory against City and could offer the biggest threat to an Arsenal clean sheet.
Leg 2: Bryan Mbeumo to score anytime @ 14/5
Disciplined defences could prevent goal glut
Arsenal are likely to dominate in terms of possession and territory but may struggle to carve out numerous chances.
The Gunners are likely to be facing a deep-lying United defence and may have to play a patient game by building pressure and looking to take advantage of corners and free-kicks.
Open-play opportunities may be few and far between, so it makes sense to anticipate a fairly low-scoring outcome.
Leg 3: Under 3.5 goals @ 9/20
