Manchester United vs Arsenal betting tips and value bets

IMAGO Leandro Trossard celebrates after scoring against PSV in midweek; also bagged the winner at Old Trafford last season. — *IMAGO* Leandro Trossard celebrates after scoring against PSV in midweek; also bagged the winner at Old Trafford last season.

Manchester United state of play

Following their FA Cup fifth-round exit to Fulham and the 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie, Manchester United will be keen to pick up where they left off in the league. Although, sitting in 14th place, a bigger test against Arsenal awaits.

While the 3-2 recovery at home to Ipswich in their last Premier League encounter showed spirit, it’s their cohesion and balance that has been a big problem this season, resulting in just nine wins in 27 games.

Home advantage usually comes into play, but Old Trafford hasn’t been a happy hunting ground.

Having lost four of their last five home games against the Gunners in the league, it’s a tough fixture for a side that has struggled to put together a consistent run of results all season.

Arsenal state of play

Mikel Arteta’s side have their own problems to contend with. Despite putting seven goals past PSV on Tuesday, the Gunners are winless in their last two league games.

With their title hopes extinguished, a win in Manchester would soften the blow somewhat. This game forms part of our five-fold weekly acca with the Gunners backed to come away with something from Old Trafford on Sunday.

Five goals in their last seven league games hardly inspires confidence, but they’re up against a United team that hasn’t kept a clean sheet in five Premier League matches.

Arsenal’s blunt attack is still a cause for concern, although the mauling of PSV suggests the goals could be flowing again.

They’re also facing a side that, football statistics site FotMob calculate, concedes 1.4 goals per match.

Key talking point: Set pieces could decide this one

A clash between two behemoths with contrasting issues domestically, Arsenal are struggling to score goals, whereas United can't stop conceding them.

One of Arsenal’s biggest weapons comes from set pieces. The North London giants have scored 10 goals from set-piece situations in the league. This includes the reverse fixture when defenders William Saliba and Jurrien Timber were on the scoresheet in a 2-0 victory.

Despite their recent issues in attack, the Gunners also pose more of a goal threat. Arsenal have scored 51 goals compared to Manchester United’s 31 strikes this season.

In terms of the home side, there are other deficiencies alongside their poor defensive record. Both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have just five league goals between them.

Manchester United could also be considered a danger from set pieces having scored three goals from set plays against Ipswich.

However, Ruben Amorim’s side are up against a mean defence with 10 clean sheets and a total of 23 goals conceded - the lowest in the league.

FIRST’s top tip for Manchester United vs Arsenal

Arsenal’s defensive solidity should make all the difference. The Gunners could replicate the type of performance that saw them win 1-0 in the same fixture last season, although I expect it be a bit more convincing this time around.

Arsenal to win and under 2.5 goals - 13/5 with Betway

Extra tips

After scoring against PSV on Tuesday, it’s tempting to back Ethan Nwaneri to score first, particularly with United’s first-choice left back Patrick Dorgu still missing following his dismissal against Ipswich.

Ethan Nwaneri to score first - 11/2 with bet442

With set pieces likely to play a key role, picking one of Arsenal’s imposing central defenders is worth backing here. Gabriel comes with a chunky price and could easily add to his tally of three goals.

Gabriel Magalhaes to score anytime - 23/4 with BetMGM

You can check out more best bets for this weekend in our full Premier League tips for matchweek 28.

Team news

Arsenal have some notable long-term absentees, namely Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Star man Bukayo Saka also remains out.

As for Manchester United, after missing the draw in Spain on Thursday, defender Harry Maguire and midfielder Manuel Ugarte are expected to return.

The Red Devils are still without key attacker Amad Diallo, and the aforementioned Dorgu is suspended.

Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Jonny Evans and Altay Bayindir are also on the sidelines, while Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martínez are long-term injury victims.