EPL 2018-19: Arsenal vs Manchester United- Match Preview
What's the story
Manchester United have been on a dream run under their interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as they look to extend their unbeaten streak to 13 in the Premier League. However, things might not go smooth for United as they take on Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday. Will Solskjaer suffer his first loss in the Premier League? We analyze the same in the preview.
Recent form
Arsenal in shaky form, United stand tall
Despite being the big clubs of the EPL, both the teams have a different story to tell, as they are coming off European ventures. While United staged a dramatic 3-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain in Champions League, Arsenal suffered a 1-3 loss to Rennes in Europa League. In EPL, while United beat Southampton 3-2, Arsenal drew Tottenham Hotspur 1-1.
Previous encounter
United had upper hand against Arsenal in last meeting
The last meeting between the two didn't end on a good note for the Gunners, as United hammered 3-1 at the Emirates in FA Cup. For United, Alexis Sanchez, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial found their names on the scoring sheet, while for Arsenal, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was the lone scorer. Arsenal dominated the game in terms of possession, but United's clinical finishes overshadowed them.
Head to head
United hold overall advantage over Arsenal
The Arsenal-United rivalry dates back to 1894 when it all began at Bank Street, Clayton in League Division 2, which ended in a 3-3 draw. Since then, both the teams have played each other 229 times, with United winning 99 and losing 82. In EPL, both the teams have faced each other 53 times, with United winning 24 and losing 13.
Quote
Sokratis Papastathopoulos believes Gunners are prepared for the Devils
Speaking ahead of Sunday's match, Arsenal's Sokratis Papastathopoulos said, "Of course we watched (the PSG match). Everybody watched. But we will be ready, everybody is thinking about Sunday's game already and we will give 100 percent."
Team news
Arsenal without Lucas Torreira, United on backfoot with six injuries
Arsenal would be without mid-fielder Lucas Torreira, who was sent off against Tottenham and is banned for the next three EPL matches. Alexandre Lacazette returns, while Danny Welbeck, Rob Holding and Hector Bellerin miss out. United would regain services of Martial, Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera, along with Paul Pogba. However, Sanchez, Lingard, Juan Mata, Phil Jones, Antonio Valencia and Matteo Darmian are injured.
Do you know?
Sunday's lucky for Arsenal!
In an interesting Opta statistic, Arsenal's nine of the 13 EPL wins against Manchester United, have come on Sundays, with three victories being scripted on Saturdays and one on Wednesday.
Match details
Verdict and other match details
As per the analysis above, United definitely hold the edge over Arsenal and Solskjaer's men are favorites, heading into Sunday, while Emery will be under pressure. Date: March 9, 2019 Venue: Emirates Stadium, London Time: 10:00 PM IST Where to watch (TV): Star Sports Select 1 Where to watch (Online): Hotstar