Arsenal Challenges Manchester United in Premier League Classic

With Chelsea struggling in the 15^th place and apparently out of the race for the championship, a vacuum of power was created at the top of the standings. Manchester United and their city rivals are topping the Premier League but West Ham and Arsenal are within striking distance. The Gunners have an excellent chance at tying Manchester United for the lead as they welcome the Red Devils at Emirates Stadium.

The Champions League Distraction

Under normal circumstances, such a high profile match in the domestic championship would result in both Manchester United and Arsenal channeling all their resources on claiming the three points. This year, the Champions League campaign started in the worst possible way, with the English giants losing the opening round.

Injury concerns are also mounting and with games being played every three days, fatigue needs to be factored in. Arsenal already has four players injured and three more doubtful ahead of this fixture, while Manchester United can’t rely on three out of seven defenders. Their attack is untouched but unlike Ipswich and Sunderland that pose no offensive concerns, Arsenal is deadly on the counterattack.

The Pressure Is on the Gunners

Anything short of a straight victory would result in Manchester United losing the lead, as their city rivals are expected to triumph against Newcastle. Having said this, Manchester City has its own Champions League campaign derailed by an early defeat and lost three of the last four games. The Red Devils can settle for one point on the road and that’s why odds of 12/5 offered by bet365 Sports on a draw are extremely tempting in this context.

The bookmaker offers even odds on Arsenal to prevail, which is hardly value given their inability to keep clean sheets even against weaker opponents. Add to this the fact that the Gunners won just one of the last nine head to head games and these odds need to be taken with a pinch of salt.