The Gunners will take a giant step towards winning their first Premier League title in almost two decades today if they can beat Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium. With Manchester City in action first, Arsenal will know exactly the size of their lead – with two games in hand – ahead of kick-off.
There is a slightly vintage feeling to this clash as United look to make a title challenge of their own, from eight points back having played a game more. For years, the duels of Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson were pivotal in deciding the destination of the trophy.
Erik ten Hag’s side are on a 10-game unbeaten run and are, so far, the only team to beat Arsenal in the league this season. Mikel Arteta’s hosts have won four of their last five. Follow Arsenal vs Manchester United LIVE via Standard Sport’s match blog, with Simon Collings and Malik Ouzia in north London to provide expert analysis.
Live updates
David De Gea fires shot at Arsenal as Man Utd shocked at Palace
David De Gea hit out at the Premier League scheduling ahead of Manchester United’s trip to Arsenal on Sunday.
Until Michael Olise’s stunning free-kick shocked Erik ten Hag’s side, the trip to the Emirates Stadium felt like a title-decider.
United were on course to go second in the League and move six points behind the leaders and a win at the Emirates would have seen them close the gap to three.
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Ten Hag reminds Arsenal Man United already beat Gunners without Casemiro
Erik ten Hag has backed his Manchester United side to cope without star midfielder Casemiro for their trip to Arsenal on Sunday.
Casemiro is out of the game at Emirates Stadium after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season during United’s 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.
Ten Hag is remaining upbeat ahead of the match with Arsenal, though, taking heart from United’s win over the Gunners back in September.
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Confirmed Manchester United lineup
Saka reveals key Arsenal change this season: ‘Didn’t use to happen’
Bukayo Saka has praised the Arsenal fans for turning Emirates Stadium into a fortress this season.
Arsenal have not lost at home during the current campaign and their unbeaten run there stretches all the way back to April.
Mikel Arteta’s side, who are top of the Premier League, will want to extend that record this weekend when they host Manchester United on Sunday.
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Arsenal title tilt not a surprise to Erik ten Hag as Manchester United boss hails Mikel Arteta impact
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is not surprised to see Arsenal challenging for the Premier League title.
The Gunners are currently five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table and have a game in hand.
United are eight points off Arsenal, but they will have the chance to close the gap when they travel to Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Ten Hag’s side beat Arsenal in the reverse fixture in September, winning 3-1, but he could see then that the Gunners would be a force this season.
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Gordon Strachan: I predict a tight match at the Emirates, I think it’ll be a 1-1 draw with Rashford and Martinelli scoring
“I predict a tight match at the Emirates, I think it’ll be a 1-1 draw with Rashford and Martinelli scoring,” Stachan told Football Odds and Betting.
“Both sides are on top form but in recent seasons, United seem to get great results against the Gunners and I think the same will happen again.”
Where today’s match could be won and lost
Standard Sport’s Simon Collings takes a tactical look at today’s heavyweight showdown…
Martinelli to target Wan-Bissaka
The resurgence of Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been one of the big surprises since the World Cup break, but now he will have to keep Gabriel Martinelli quiet. Arsenal always look to get their wingers one on one with their opposite man, and that will particularly be the case on Sunday, when Martinelli will look to cause Wan-Bissaka problems with his pace.
Coping without Casemiro
Casemiro being suspended is a huge blow for United. Fred is likely to deputise, but does not offer the same control as his fellow Brazilian. Arsenal will look to replicate the midfield dominance they had against Tottenham last Sunday, and Bruno Fernandes may have to sacrifice some of his attacking desires to ensure United are not outnumbered. Christian Eriksen will look to dictate the game’s tempo in the absence of Casemiro.
Nketiah faces tall order
Against Spurs, Eddie Nketiah was vital for Arsenal, holding up the ball and linking play well. He has developed his game to be more than a penalty-box striker, but United will truly test his growth, as Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have formed an excellent defensive partnership and look back to their best after their World Cup exploits.
Nketiah will again lead the line in the absence of Jesus
/ REUTERSLatest odds
Arsenal to win: 20/23
Draw: 11/4
Manchester United to win: 16/5
Odds via Betfair and subject to change.
Head to head history and results
Arsenal wins: 85
Draws: 50
Manchester United wins: 101
