Premier League: Arsenal FC vs. Manchester United Prediction

Manchester United travels to London to take on Arsenal FC in English Premier League play on Saturday. The Red Devils are just a point out of first place in the EPL table, behind their crosstown rivals Manchester City. 

Arsenal has gotten off to a more disappointing start to 2020-21, hitting the halfway point of the regular season in eighth place in the table, 11 points back of City -- but just four points out of Champions League qualification. Both teams have won four and drawn once in their last five, so let’s take a look at this matchup between two of England’s most storied teams going into the weekend.

English Premier League: Arsenal FC vs Manchester United (January 30)

When: Saturday, January 30, 2021, 12:30 pm ET
Where: Etihad Stadium, London
TV: NBC
Radio: No Radio Broadcast
JAZZ Sports Odds: Live Odds Here

Why Arsenal Will Win

Arsenal visited Southampton on Tuesday and delivered a 3-1 pasting of the hosts. Stuart Armstrong staked Southampton to an early lead by scoring in the eighth minute, but then Nicolas Pepe brought the visitors level with a goal five minutes later. Bukayo Saka  put Arsenal ahead in the 39th minute, and then Alexandre Lacazette added the insurance tally in the 72nd minute.

For the match, Southampton outshot Arsenal, 13-9, although both sides put five shots on frame. Southampton controlled the ball for 58 percent of the match and passed with 85 percent accuracy, to 77 percent for the Gunners. Southampton was the more physical side, with 11 fouls to six for Arsenal, but the Gunners had two yellow cards to just one for the hosts. Arsenal was able to turn their time with the ball into goals, though. They will need a similar economy with Manchester United coming to town next.

Why Manchester United Will Win

The Red Devils host Sheffield United on Wednesday ahead of their visit to Arsenal on Saturday. Sheffield United has won exactly once, drawn twice and lost 16 in their first 19 matches after promotion to the first division, so they should not present much of a problem to the hosts. In their last match, Manchester United beat Fulham on the road, 2-1, on January 20. Fulham is another team in the relegation zone, sitting in 18th place right now.

In that match, Fulham got the early goal from Ademola Lookman, tallying in the fifth minute. Edinson Cavani brought the Red Devils level in the 21st minute, and the match was tied going into halftime. Paul Pogba gave the visitors the go-ahead tally in the 65th minute, and Manchester United was able to hold on from there. The visitors had the advantage in shots, 15-12, but both sides had five shots on goal. Manchester United dominated possession, holding the ball for 62 percent of the game. They also had more physicality, with 10 fouls to six for the hosts, although Fulham had three yellow cards to just one for the Red Devils. Manchester United will need all that offense to prevail against Arsenal.

The Final Word

Both of these teams are doing well in recent play, with Arsenal recovering nicely from a dismal beginning to the season. Manchester United is holding on against teams down the table right now, and the Gunners come in with somewhat more momentum, especially at home. I see Arsenal taking the early goal and then holding on for a 1-1 draw.

- Alistair Prescott, Gambling911.com