Arsenal travel to Old Trafford and will take on a struggling Manchester United in the English Premier League. The Gunners have returned to winning ways after scoring two past Newcastle United in the previous league game and will look to carry the momentum into this match.
Manchester United have earned just five points in their last eight games. This run includes one win, two draws, and five defeats. Their last game ended in a 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The game was dominated by the Blues and the Red Devils were lucky to escape with a draw.
Manchester United have played with a very high tempo in every match. Their match tempo rate is just less than Liverpool and Chelsea, who have played consistently this season. They have scored 21 goals in the season so far with an xG rate of 18.67. The defense has been a concern as the team has conceded 22 goals, with an expected goal against rate of 20.55.
Harry Maguire is back in contention for the home team after completing a one-match suspension. Luke Shaw’s fitness is a concern for the club after he missed the previous game due to injury. Paul Pogba, Raphael Varane, and Edinson Cavani remain out due to their respective injuries.
Arsenal have won seven, drawn two, and lost four games this season. The Gunners started the season with three defeats, and since then, they have not looked back and earned 23 points out of the possible 30.
Arsenal’s last game resulted in a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United at home. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli scored a goal each in the second half to hand their side a victory. Arsenal attempted 21 shots in the match, with eight coming from inside the opposition’s penalty box. The goals were scored from inside the penalty box, and the Gunners even hit the post from a close range.
Arsenal have scored 15 goals with an expected goal rate of 21.24 and have conceded 17 goals so far this season. The Gunners have attempted 170 shots and average more than 13 shots per game. The shot accuracy rate has been 35.2%, and 41 shots on target have been attempted from inside the opposition’s penalty box.
Bukayo Saka was substituted in the game against Newcastle United as he was holding his groin. His inclusion is still a doubt and this could open doors for other players sitting on the bench. Gabriel Martinelli, who scored his first goal of the season, could also feature in this match.
Arsenal’s recent run will give them an edge over an unsettled Manchester United side. The Gunners have only lost one match in their last ten games. The hosts have a new manager but he won’t be available for this match. Both teams will try to earn three points to gain some early momentum in a busy festive period.
