Arsenal vs. Manchester United and Pick to Win
Date:Saturday, November 19th 2016
Where: English Premier League Old Trafford, Manchester, UK
by Keith, Professional Soccer/Football Handicapper, Predictem
Match Odds: Arsenal 2/1, Manchester United 13/8, Draw 12/5
Moneyline: Arsenal +200, Manchester United +163, Draw +240
Over/Under Best Market: OVER 2.5 (EVENS) +100
One of the most historic and fiercest rivalries in the English Premier League features the battle of two cities that love to hate each otherManchester and London. Its the Gunners of Arsenal against the Red Devils of Manchester United. The latest edition of this rivalry is set to take place Saturday at Old Trafford in Manchester, where the Reds will curate the host duties against this hated cross-country foe. In the most recent collision between both teams, the result was 2-1 Gunners victory in the FA Cup Quarterfinal against Manchester United ultimately catapulting the Gunners forward to the Final. At this point Man United were on the way out with Louis Van Gaal as their manager and the Gunners were searching for some sort of accolade to save their disappointing season given the fact all the major players in the English Premier League were down and they failed to capitalize.
Arsenal has been in exquisite form as of late as they are 5-0-2 in their last seven fixtures and have won their five games in that seven game span, most recently a 3-2 defeat of Ludogrets in Champions League play. Arsenal in their latest contest drew their hated rival Tottenham Hotspur in a typical North London Derby where the Gunners and Spurs finished deadlocked at 1-1. Arsenal had the lead but rescinded it in dramatic fashion to the Spurs. The Gunners have had a week to catch their break and would love to make a statement off the international break. The Gunners have hovered near the top of the English Premier League table for most of the 2016/17 campaign and their offensive exploits have led the charge. For Manchester United, the Mancs finally got themselves a 3-1 win over Swansea after falling 2-1 against Fenerbahce in Champions League play. In their most recent English Premier League result, the Red Devils drew Burnley 0-0.
Arsenal has a notorious track record on the road as they have had many trouble against a variety of opponents ranging in class from top to bottom. The Gunners have had troubles with teams like Newcastle and Everton on the road, Manchester Uniteds environment is one of the toughest to play in the game. Against premium competition it is worth mentioning that Liverpool smoked Arsenal to kick off the 2016-17 effort in London further substantiating their vulnerability. The price here with Arsenal reflects their historic portfolio of performances on the road.
Manchester United is looking for a statement win under the captainship of Jose Mourinho. The Red Devils have made all the moves, signed all the guns and put together a world class starting eleven that has not lived up to expectation. A win against the Gunners would justify the regime change and the organizations opening of their purse to hire players such as Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The return of Bastian Schweinsteiger will be instrumental toward Manchester United fortifying their midfield against a very potent Arsenal attack. This game has all the makings of a shootout and will be filled to the tip with drama and excitement. Manchester Uniteds biggest win so far under Mourinho came against Manchester City in national level competition that was not a league game. A win against Arsenal at the highest level would send this team forward with much needed momentum. The market is astute as many players are taking back Man United by virtue of the fact it is at Old Trafford. We will not take that stance nor will we involve ourselves with Arsenal who are offered at +200 on the road for a reason. The chances of an Arsenal victory would be incidental thus the price. A draw is the most viable scenario. In Over/Under Goal Markets we will go ahead and call for the OVER 2.5 as scoring will likely be maximized with both these offense oriented teams. Ultimately here we stand to risk two units for the potential of scooping up 3.4 units if we are successful.
Arsenal Recent Form
D Tottenham Hotspur 1-1
W Ludogrets 3-2
W Sunderland 4-1
W Reading 2-0
D Middlesborough 0-0
Manchester United Recent Form
W Swansea City 3-1
L Febernache 1-2
D Burnley 0-0
W Manchester City 1-0
L – Chelsea 0-4
Keith’s Prediction for the Game: DRAW 12/5 (+240) and OVER 2.5 EVENS (+100)
