Arsenal welcome Manchester United this weekendplaceholder image
Arsenal welcome Manchester United this weekend | Getty Images
A look at the predictions for Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Manchester United on Sunday.
Arsenal are back in action on Sunday, and in the game of the weekend as they prepare to face Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners now have a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League, and they will be determined to protect that lead.
United got off to a big start under interim boss Michael Carrick last week, defeating Manchester City to do Arsenal a big favour, and they are now just a point off the top four. Ahead of this mouth-watering clash, we have rounded up the predictions from BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton and SportsKeeda’s Paul Merson.
Paul Merson
“It absolutely shocks me to death when people say this is now a massively different game after Manchester United beat City last weekend. In all honesty, I'd be surprised if Arsenal don't win this.
“Arsenal won 3-1 away from home to one of the best teams in Italy in midweek. They went to Chelsea and scored three in the EFL cup not long ago. So I don't buy the claim that facing Manchester United at home is 'difficult' for Arsenal.
“Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus scoring against Inter is great news for Arsenal. I think Gyokeres needs to come off the bench in the next few games. When the defenders are tired, the game will open up for him and he can make an impact. So it's better if he comes on for the final 20 minutes.
“I can't seem to make a case for Manchester United even after their win over City. Don't get me wrong, they played well in that game. But Arsenal are just superior. Manchester United win one game and people say they can trouble Arsenal? I don't get that one bit!
“If you told me I had to bet on one team to win this weekend, I'd actually go Arsenal. Everything points to a win for Mikel Arteta's men here. They are just so good at home. 29 points from 11 games at the Emirates. Even when they looked so bad against Liverpool, they did not lose.
Manchester United beat City because they were able to outrun their rivals. They won't be able to do that against Arsenal. Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Manchester United/”
Chris Sutton
“Manchester United were brilliant under Michael Carrick in the Manchester derby. They totally deserved their win. Carrick has talked about finding some consistency to back up that performance and result but, even if they play well again here, it's a huge ask for them to go to the Emirates and get something.
“Arsenal dropped points against Nottingham Forest last time out in the Premier League but it still turned out to be a good weekend for them. I don't see Mikel Arteta's side slipping up this time. It will be fascinating to see if the 'Carrick effect' can last but even when Arsenal make changes I always think they will get the job done.
“Carrick had a plan for playing against City and it worked. He might have an idea about stopping Arsenal in open play too, but then United will still have their set-pieces to deal with. Prediction: 2-0.”
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