Arsenal travel up north to take on rivals Manchester United in what is a huge game in terms of the title race but also in the race for European football.
Date: 12/05/24
Kick-off time: 16:30
Venue: Old Trafford
Heading into this game, Arsenal occupy top place in the Premier League table with two fixtures left to play. However, Man City in second have played a game less, meaning the Gunners’ fate is out of their hands. Victory against United is imperative, as any dropped points would officially allow Pep Guardiola’s side to clinch the title in their next game. However, Arsenal should be confident in recording another win, having won four in a row.
Man United are fighting to stay alive in the race for European football, with either the Europa League or Conference League possible outcomes. They are currently eighth, following Chelsea’s victory last weekend, and they trail the Blues on goal difference, which was worsened further with a humiliating 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace in their last game. Any more dropped points would allow the Londoners to cement their place ahead of them.
Mikel Arteta’s team have the best defence in the league, and have been showcasing those strengths in recent games with three clean sheets in their last four. Overall, they have conceded just 28, five less than the next best. United have struggled in front of goal all season, their 52 goals amongst the worst in the top half. If they are to pose a threat, it will most likely come from Bruno Fernandes, who leads the club with 10 goals. Four have come in the last three league games. Arsenal are as good in attack as they are at the back, and have a number of forward options the defence will have to contain. Bukayo Saka has 16, whilst Kai Havertz has entered some great form, bringing his tally to 12 on the season. Leandro Trossard and Martin Odegaard have also combined for 19.
The last 10 meetings between these two sides have been in the Premier League, with Arsenal dominating. The Gunners have won six of these games, losing just twice in this period. This includes two wins in a row, and they will be hopeful of making it a third this weekend. The reverse fixture earlier this season ended 3-1 to Arsenal, though it was a much closer game than the final scoreline suggests. Marcus Rashford put his side in front, but Martin Odegaard immediately equalised. The game seemed to be heading for a draw, but there was late drama as Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus netted deep into second half stoppage time to steal all three points.