After starting the week with a 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace, things could get even worse for Manchester United.
Sunday sees under-fire coach Erik ten Hag;s side taking on title-chasing Arsenal, with the Gunners enjoying a stellar run in the league in 2024.
United are in the middle of an injury crisis, but that isn’t the only thing behind the Red Devils’ struggles.
Their approach doesn’t get the best out of the players available, while their forward line is misfiring at a time when they’re forced into playing Casemiro at centre-half.
With the Red Devils sliding down the table, the Gunners head to Old Trafford, unusually, as heavy favourites.
- OVER 2.5 ARSENAL TEAM GOALS
- DECLAN RICE TO SCORE OR ASSIST
- ARSENAL -2 HANDICAP
Gunners Can Rack Up The Goals
Arsenal have an incredible record since the turn of the year, picking up the most points in 2024 heading into this weekend. The Gunners have won 14 of 16 games, scoring 51 times and conceding only eight in return.
The visitors have scored 27 times across their eight away matches in the league in 2024 and they head to a United side who are going through a tough time defensively. After their defeat at Selhurst Park, they have conceded 18 times in their last seven matches.
Arsenal have won three consecutive league games, scoring 13 times in that run. They can take full advantage of United’s issues at the back.
The Red Devils have conceded three times in each of their three defeats to City and Arsenal this season. They’ve also shipped three goals in three of their five home defeats, so back the favourites to score a few times in this trip.
Rice Thriving In New Role
A big part of Arsenal’s good scoring form is the freedom they’ve handed to Declan Rice. Mikel Arteta’s side did struggle a little early on as they tried to find a fit for their £100million man.
Rice has featured as the deepest midfielder at times, but Arteta has moved him to the left of Thomas Partey in recent matches. That has allowed Rice freedom to roam and trouble opponents, which has him looking like the all-action midfielder from his West Ham days.
Rice has set up a goal in each of his last three matches and he found the net against Bournemouth last week. He has a combined 15 goals and assists in the league this term and that number has been growing thanks to this tactical tweak, so back him to have a hand in a goal.
DECLAN RICE TO SCORE OR ASSIST
United No Match For Visitors
Arsenal look good to score a few goals and they should keep United at bay with a big victory. The Gunners have kept a clean sheet in six of their last seven league trips, while they have 10 victories by three goals or more in the league this season.
Given how United were blown away by Palace this week, Arsenal should be strong enough to clear a -2 handicap in this clash.
