After some mid-week action, EPL Matchweek 6 arrives quickly with a massive fixture as Manchester United host Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday, Sept. 4.
United have completely turned their season around after a disastrous start, as they’ve won three consecutive matches. Most recently, they beat Leicester City 1-0 at the King Power Stadium thanks to an early Jadon Sancho goal.
Arsenal have been spectacular in the early part of the season, having won each of their opening five matches to sit alone atop the table. The Gunners are coming off a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa, in which Gabriel Martinelli scored the game-winner in the 77th minute.
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Man United and Arsenal split the season series last year, with both squads winning at home. However, this is not the same Arsenal team from last season. So will Manchester United be able to dethrone the EPL’s top club? Or will Arsenal leave Old Trafford with another victory?
Let’s take a look at current betting odds and get some best bets and predictions for this rivalry matchup.
Gio Annatelli’s 2022-2023 EPL betting record: 13-11 (+7.36 units)
Manchester United vs Arsenal Odds
- 3-Way Handicap: Manchester United (+155) | Draw (+250) | Arsenal (+155)
- Draw No Bet: Manchester United (-115) | Arsenal (-115)
- Over/Under Goals: Over 2.5 (-145) | Under 2.5 (+105)
Manchester United vs Arsenal odds are current as of Thursday, Sept. 1, from BetMGM Sportsbook, unless otherwise noted.
Both squads enter this match on hot streaks, with the Red Devils on a three-match winning streak and the Gunners on a five-match winning streak.
However, Arsenal have outscored their opponents 13-4, while Man United, now in fifth place, have been outscored 7-5.
Manchester United vs Arsenal Betting Tips
Defense needs to be the focus for Manchester United
Manchester United’s back line has played exceptionally well in the past three matches, holding opponents to just one goal and posting back-to-back clean sheets. The credit has to be given to Erik ten Hag for changing the lineup.
In each of the Red Devils’ three wins, the back four has consisted of Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martínez, Raphaël Varane, and Diogo Dalot. Newcomers Malacia and Martínez have fit in quite nicely with the squad. Club captain Harry Maguire and left back Luke Shaw have been dropped, but the changes have worked for ten Hag’s squad.
The Gunners have significantly outshot their opponents in the past four matches and are led in scoring by Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, and Martinelli, each with three goals apiece. They’ll need to limit Arsenal’s opportunities if they want to come out with a win.
Arsenal are great at creating opportunities
The Gunners have been one of the top scoring teams in the Premier League, currently ranking third behind Manchester City and Liverpool. They also sit third behind the same two clubs in shots with 87. Arsenal do a good job moving the ball around and creating scoring chances for multiple players.
Though Arsenal have three players with three goals, the offense doesn’t solely revolve around them. The Gunners have also gotten scoring contributions from Granit Xhaka and defenders Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba.
Not only does Jesus lead the team in scoring, but he also leads Arsenal with three assists, creating opportunities for his teammates. Bukayo Saka and Xhaka are right behind him with two assists each. The scoring chances can come from anywhere and will keep United’s defenders guessing.
Timing is critical for Manchester United
Both Manchester United and Arsenal enter this match on a winning streak and with some momentum, but even though Arsenal haven’t lost yet, United get them at the perfect time.
After two straight losses in which they were outscored 6-1, Man United have figured out a lineup that works for them and have done a complete 180. They’ve beaten two teams currently in the top 10 (Liverpool and Southampton), and will carry the winning momentum back to Old Trafford after winning at Leicester on Thursday.
While Arsenal have been lights out to start the EPL season, their winning ways are not sustainable. At a certain point, it’ll come to an end, and this match is the perfect storm for it to happen. The Gunners head into enemy territory with United on a hot streak. This is their first real test of the season, as Fulham is the only team they have beaten in the top 10.
Injuries are also starting to mount for the Gunners, especially in midfield. Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny will be absent from this contest, as will summer signing Alex Zinchenko, who could play in a midfield role if called upon. Ødegaard is also a doubt after coming off early on Wednesday against Villa, while goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale also picked up a knock and his status is uncertain.
Meanwhile, United fans have yet to see a full match from Casemiro, who has been used as a substitute since joining the squad. There’s also the potential that Antony will make his debut against Arsenal. There’s a lot of excitement surrounding Manchester United at the moment, which doesn’t bode well for the Gunners.
Manchester United vs Arsenal Prediction
Manchester United 2-1 Arsenal
Scoring continues to be an issue for Manchester United, but with how they’ve played defensively, it hasn’t been that much of a worry in the past few games.
Arsenal head to Old Trafford at the wrong time and will suffer their first defeat of the season. Like Man United’s win over Liverpool, this match will finish similarly.
Manchester United vs Arsenal Best Bets
➕ Manchester United Moneyline (+155) at BetMGM Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Manchester United will be the team that ends Arsenal’s winning streak, and the odds for them to win are juiced.
The Red Devils have been red hot (no pun intended) and head back home after two matches on the road. The lineup changes have worked wonders during their winning streak, and the addition of Antony should give them an added boost.
This match would have been in Arsenal’s favor if it was at Emirates Stadium, but with the home crowd behind them, United will get their second biggest win of the season.
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➕ Over 2.5 Goals (-145) at BetMGM
WAGER: 1 Unit
Though Manchester United have gotten away with back-to-back 1-0 victories, they won’t be able to do the same against Arsenal. Going up against a high-scoring attack, they’ll need to capitalize on every opportunity.
The scoring has been lacking for United, as they’ve only scored five goals in five matches, with one of those being an own goal. However, as they get deeper into the schedule and play tougher teams, they’ll need to put the ball in the back of the net.
I have this match finishing 2-1 in favor of Manchester United, but don’t be surprised if more than three goals are scored.
- Wager on the Over at BetMGM.