Premier League: Points to Prove as Old Foes Clash at Emirates

Arsenal vs Manchester United

For so long this was the definitive fixture in Premier League history.

A match-up which provided Premier League highlights galore, the majority of which will live long in the annals for a variety of reasons.

There is no question that for a period from 1997 until 2005, these two sides were the undisputed top dogs in England and the clashes reflected that on a gargantuan scale.

So did the trophy haul with the sides claiming every league title for nine years in a row (United six, Arsenal three).

While both clubs have only been on the periphery of honours in recent years – although Arsenal are the FA Cup holders (now out of this season’s competition) – there is a feeling amongst some that they are heading in the right direction once again.

Who knows, perhaps magical days could lie ahead in the near future?

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Talking Points

Certainly, there was no magic from Manchester United in midweek as they were humbled at home by rock bottom Sheffield United – and deservedly so.

Indeed, how they respond to that shock, tame defeat will probably be the clearest indicator yet as to whether Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is taking the club he graced as a player on an upwards trajectory or whether he is, as I fear, a rookie whose team will flatter to deceive.

Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof missed Wednesday’s defeat so Solskjaer will hope to have one of his regular centre-backs available for the visit to the Emirates Stadium, while Fred and Scott McTominay are expected to start.

I expect Edinson Cavani to spearhead the attack after he was rested, while the likes of the in-form Luke Shaw should also return for what will be the team’s third match in seven days.

Perhaps such a hectic period is beginning to catch up, as it must on all teams at some stage or other over the congested 2020/21 season.

Either way, they cannot afford the calamity of errors which befell them in midweek as they prepare to take on one of their main rivals for a top four spot.

Arsenal enjoyed a welcome win at Southampton on Tuesday, gaining a modicum of revenge from being knocked out of the FA Cup to the same team on the south coast just three days earlier.

There is better news potentially to come for Mikel Arteta and their fans this weekend too.

Not only should the absent Kieran Tierney return – the full-back impressing this term – but the incoming Martin Odegaard could debut following his arrival on loan at the Emirates after the departure of playmaker Mesut Ozil to Fenerbahce.

The Norwegian’s loan move to Arsenal contains no option-to-buy, but Arteta has not ruled out Odegaard staying longer.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could miss the Premier League clash against Manchester United due to personal reasons — Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates after scoring the penalty against Manchester United last November

What’s more, captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is also due to return after a recent absence for personal family matters.

Youngster Emile Smith Rowe and Thomas Partey require assessment after limping off during the victory at St. Mary’s and, while Dani Ceballos and Pablo Mari are expected to return to training in the next few days, are unlikely to be available so soon.

So the stage is set for a potential humdinger.

The chance to go for glory at the top end of the table may have eluded them for a while but there is rarely such a thing as a tame clash between these two.

With points to prove and points on the line, this should be no different.

History

The two clubs have faced each other 234 times in total. United have won 99 to Arsenal’s 85 and 49 matches have ended in a draw.

Earlier this season, Arsenal gained their first victory at Old Trafford since 2006 when an Aubameyang penalty settled a tight contest.

Last year, the sides drew 1-1 at Old Trafford with McTominay and Aubameyang the marksman before Arsenal won the return 2-0, thanks to goals from Nicolas Pépé and Sokratis Papastathopoulos.

Betting Tip

	Arsenal vs Manchester United	Total Goals 4-6 @ 3.25
	January 31, 01:30 (GMT+8)

United have the slight edge with the SBOTOPPremier League betting odds, understandable given recent form.

The Red Devils can be backed 1X2 @ 2.39 and Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 2.11, whereas Arsenal are available to tip 1X2 @ 2.70 and Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 1.80.

A re-run of last season’s 2-0 home victory is on offer @ 17.50.

Goals have been commonplace in their meetings in recent seasons and are expected again judging by the odds of Total Goals 2-3 @ 1.95 and Over 2.75 goals @ 2.08.