Gary Neville has made a controversial score prediction for Manchester United’s upcoming clash against Arsenal on Sunday.
Manchester United shift their focus back to the Premier League this weekend as they prepare to host Arsenal at Old Trafford.
The Reds delivered a strong performance in their recent clash with Real Sociedad but had to settle for a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Europa League round-of-16 tie.
Ruben Amorim’s side will welcome the Spanish club next Thursday, but for now, their attention is on Mikel Arteta’s team.
United edged out Arsenal in their last meeting, eliminating them from the FA Cup on penalties earlier this season.
Both sides are currently dealing with injuries and squad issues. While United have little at stake in the league, they must find consistency in their performances.
Neville makes controversial United vs Arsenal prediction
Despite the Gunners currently having their own issues up front, there is no question that they are favourites going into this game against an underwhelming United side.
However, in the small amount games under Amorim where United have impressed, it has usually been against better opposition, such as against Arsenal in the FA Cup.
For that reason, Gary Neville believes his former side will get a positive result out of this match and secure a 1-1 draw.
The Sky Sports pundit thinks that such a result would “finish” Arsenal’s slim hopes of lifting the Premier League title this season, with Arteta’s side currently 13 points away from league-leaders Liverpool.
“United and Arsenal… this could finish Arsenal off this one, because this is the type of game that United could win. It’s the type of game United turn up in,” Neville said on Stick to Football.
“You know what it’s like at Old Trafford someones, we’re going to go 1-1.”
United have to strike the right balance in Arsenal clash
You would not blame Amorim for having one eye on the second-leg clash against Sociedad when preparing for this game.
United’s hopes of success in the Premier League are over and their only chance of qualifying for European competition next season is through the Europa League.
It would be very easy to rest most of the important players at Arsenal, but on the other hand a balance needs to be struck, not only because United have poor depth right now.
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But a positive performance and result against Arsenal could give the team important confidence ahead of the crucial Europa League clash.
Amorim’s side have underperformed at Old Trafford recently and there will undoubtably be big nerves heading into that second-leg clash. Those could be lightened if United turn up on Sunday.
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