*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change
This blockbuster clash between Arsenal and Manchester United will be a real acid test of how seriously we should take the latter’s title ambitions. A sloppy performance against Sheffield United at Old Trafford on Wednesday night has put significant pressure on this trip to the Emirates where they face an Arsenal side high on confidence.
One reason for United’s struggles against the Blades was the composition of the forward line with Anthony Martial given a start as the central striker. The Frenchman has managed only two Premier League goals in 16 matches this season – which is certainly far from impressive given the creativity of Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba behind him. No team in the Premier League has scored more than United’s 37 goals, but it would be even greater if we had seen anything close to Martial’s best form.
It’s easy to forget he scored 17 league goals in 32 matches last term and especially after the lockdown break, showed real signs of becoming the genuinely top-class forward he’s always threatened to be. But he’s been flattering to deceive this term, and Martial has wilted at the challenge of keeping his place after Edinson’s Cavani’s arrival in the Summer.
The Uruguayan’s movement, work-rate, finishing and genuine hunger are of a different level to Martial and he’ll will surely be restored to the starting line-up for the trip to north London. One can only hope Martial can learn a thing or two from Cavani as he faces somewhat of a career crossroads at the age of 25, and question marks surrounding his future at United.
Saturday’s game will also give an insight into how seriously we should take Arsenal’s improved form. Before Boxing Day last year, Arsenal looked and played like relegation candidates with Mikel Arteta seemingly inching towards the exit door. But then came the Chelsea game on December 26. Arteta changed formation to a 4-2-3-1 with Emile Smith-Rowe providing the link from midfield to attack and Gabriel Martinelli returned from injury to give the attack some much-needed youth and vibrancy. That performance has been the catalyst for a run of five wins from six games which has seen Gunners fans looking upwards towards the European places.
Arsenal v Manchester United
Saturday, January 30: 5.30pm
Sky Sports Main Event
To illustrate the improvement in Arsenal’s attack, it’s worth repeating a stat I have mentioned before. Before the Chelsea game, Arsenal were averaging 3.2 shots on target per match which was similar to Newcastle and Burnley and reflected Arsenal had the attack of a team in relegation trouble.
In the last six matches, Arsenal have averaged 6.16 shots on target per game. To put that in context, Aston Villa and Liverpool lead the league in averaging just under six shots on target per game. Smith-Rowe has been the real key to this improvement in offensive output. As Gary Neville and others have pointed out, he glides in possession and looks to have time on the ball in a style akin to Jack Grealish and Phil Foden. It will be interesting to see how Arteta uses him in combination with new signing Martin Ødegaard.
MORE TOP TIPS
- TRADER VERDICT: Paddy’s top number-cruncher previews Sunday’s Premier League action
- THOMMO’S TIPS: Phil Thompson fancies Spurs & Liverpool in his 7/2 Sunday double
Both teams to score
Over 2.5 goals
It’s hard to see this being a low scoring game as United’s first-choice attack should be able to expose David Luiz and company, while at the other end Arsenal should get plenty of chances against a team that has conceded the most goals of any team in the top 10 in the Premier League. So Both Teams To Score & Over 2.5 Goals will the first two legs in my bet builder.
Bukayo Saka to score
Bukayo Saka to Score Anytime looks worth chancing. Saka has scored four in his last 6 games, and has been one of the major beneficiaries of pal Smith-Rowe’s form when linking together in Arsenal’s attack.
Hector Bellerin to be carded
Lastly we’ll go for Hector Bellerin To Be Booked. The seemingly mild-mannered Spaniard has picked up seven cards in 17 matches this season and faces a tough, pacy opponent with Marcus Rashford likely to be against him, and the added threat of Paul Pogba too.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change
Arsenal v Manchester United Bet Builder odds
Both teams to score
Over 2.5 goals
Bukayo Saka to score
Hector Bellerin to be carded
These four selections in a Bet Builder acca will pay out at around 26/1 with Paddy Power
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Bet Builder Acca Insurance
If one leg of your 4+ fold Bet Builder lets you down, you get up to £/€10 back as a free bet. Customers can qualify for 1 Bet Builder Acca Insurance per day up to £/€10. The free bets will be credited by 12pm the following day.
More tips for Saturday:
- Watkins can land our 3 wagers for Southampton v Villa
- EURO ACCA: Our 37/1 bet from Germany, Spain & Italy
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- Niall Quinn: I played injured after bust-up with coach – and scored the winner
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