Big boys of the past lock horns at Old Trafford
Arsenal travel to Old Trafford to round off the weekend this Sunday. Both sides have had some trouble in the years that have followed the departures of their long term managers Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, but despite that and the lack of support from the stands, it will still be a fiery encounter between two of England’s most successful clubs. The form of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has slowed down in recent weeks and Mikel Arteta’s team have suffered as a consequence, the Gunners will have a day less to recover from midweek European action in time for this fixture and so it is not surprising to see them down as narrow outsiders with the bookmakers.
One to watch
With the outstanding work carried out by Marcus Rashford off the pitch in recent weeks, helping children in poverty, it is easy to forget just how excellent he has been for the Red Devils. Netting an outstanding late winner at the Parc des Princes on Champions League matchday one after scoring in back to back league games, demonstrates his quality. Having sustained a serious back injury in early 2020, the 22-year-old struggled to recover his form from before the COVID-19 enforced break in the season in front of goal, even though he was heavily involved in the team’s late run to burst into the Champions League qualification spots and claim third place.
Contributing 22 goals and 18 assists made it somewhat of a coming of age season for the versatile attacker and most likely would have concluded with a starting berth at the Euros for England, but that day will have to wait. Lining up opposite the fading talent of Hector Bellerin at right back for the North Londoners is a mouth-watering prospect for any United fan. Rashford’s pace, trickery and breathtaking shooting ability will cause havoc on this suspect Arsenal backline, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to silence early season doubters once again.
Joined in offense by superb playmaker Bruno Fernandes, it is clear why the Red Devils are favourites and having not won any of the last four domestic meetings between the two, they will be hungry to put on a show. Arsenal’s strong foundations under Arteta have fallen away a little in recent weeks, with losses to Manchester City and Leicester, coupled with narrow wins over Sheffield United and West Ham to which they were not deserving, they are there for the taking.
The Gunners are struggling at the moment, United are by far the more complete team and come into this match with a point to prove.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was back on the scoresheet and scored the only goal of the game, 1-0.