Manchester United welcome Arsenal on Sunday, and the fixture is expected to be the difference between third and fourth place, which could then see either the Red Devils or the Gunners face the play-off round of the Champions League qualification rounds, rather than automatic qualification to the group stages. Two of our writers give their predictions for the monumental clash.
Filip Brnelic
One week ago, this game looked like it wouldn’t mean much, as United lost their pace in the race for automatic Champions League spot. However, the Gunners fell to a surprise defeat, and with the Reds winning, the gaps between these two is just two points, although Arsenal do have a game in hand.
There’s no doubt the home side will be up for it; having won eight of the last ten meetings at home against Arsenal (all competitions) and victory would put pressure on Arsene Wenger’s team ahead of last two home games. Arsenal are still battling for runners-up place and will try to build their hopes on recent victory in the FA Cup after ending their magnificent run of nine league wins in last ten games on Monday.
This game could be won by the team who shows more patience in their attacking play. I predict a similar match to the FA Cup quarter-final clash, without flowing football, chances or goals. Compactness of defences will be key; United must learn from previous mistakes and reduce them to a minimum. In that case, I believe they will have the edge to finish created opportunities in front of David Ospina, as Arsenal aren’t often exposed to great attacking pressure and they might just crack under it. I will go for a narrow home win, United to score mid-second-half.
Predicition: Manchester United 1-0 Arsenal (van Persie)
Holly Hunt
For once, last time out either clubs results went the opposite way to as they had become accustomed to. It was only one victory but hopefully Manchester United are back in the swing of winning ways, whilst Arsenal’s momentum was sabotaged by Bafetimbi Gomis at the Emirates days ago. This was about as much as Louis van Gaal’s side could have asked for as their road to the Champions League has been somewhat unsettling recently as a result of a minor hiccup.
The North London outfit’s visit was a mountainous task as it was without the added pressure of the Red Devils’ noisy neighbours incline in form. Danny Welbeck’s all-clear may provide some relief for the hosts as he didn’t exactly depart Old Trafford on a high, however, Alexis Sanchez will be a danger man for the Gunners. In good scoring form, if anyone is to reinstate the wind back into Arsenal’s sails, it will be him.
I’d usually have my money on Wayne Rooney to match this on the score sheet, but looking on from the sidelines for this one, I believe Maroune Fellaini is likely to utilize that physique of his as he did just a week prior. An encounter in which I believe neither side will be willing to part with the spoils bearing in mind what is at stake and both on the road to recovery so to speak, a stalemate is what I’m going for.
Prediction: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal (Fellaini; Sanchez)
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