Two teams with aspirations of unseating Manchester City from their Premier League throne test their legitimacy for that quest as Arsenal and Manchester United meet at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Both sides are aiming to put themselves forth as the main challenger to the reigning Premier League dynasty. Yet to do so, they'll have to avoid slipping elsewhere, and that includes against other league powers.
The Gunners already hit a skid in their season-opening slate, dropping points at home last time out against 10-man Fulham, conceding an 87th-minute goal that put an early dampener on their chances of keeping pace with the established leaders.
United have shown signs of weakness early on as well, suffering a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham on just the second matchday of the season before requiring a second-half comeback to win 3-2 against Nottingham Forest.
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Arsenal vs Man United match facts
- Date: Sunday, September 3, 2023
- Kickoff Time: 11:30 a.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. BST / 1:30 a.m. AEST (Mon, Sep. 4)
- Location: Emirates Stadium (London, England)
- Official: Anthony Taylor
- Last meeting: Arsenal 3-2 Man United (Jan. 22, 2023 | Premier League)
Arsenal vs Man United prediction, odds
- Favourite to win: Arsenal (10/13)
- Handicap tip: Arsenal -1 (9/5)
- Score prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Man United
Arsenal have been installed as significant favourites despite dropping points last time out against Fulham. Recent history is on their side, as the home team has emerged victorious in each of the past four meetings between these two clubs.
In fact, Manchester United have not won at the Emirates since a 3-1 victory in FA Cup play in 2019, and they haven't secured a league victory in this ground since winning by the same score back in 2017. That sees the Gunners hold a six-match unbeaten streak at home against the Red Devils in league play, with five wins and a draw across that span.
| Top Betting Sites (UK) | |
| Arsenal win | 10/3 |
| Draw | 3/1 |
| Man United win | 10/3 |
| Both teams to score Y / N | 1/2, 7/5 |
| Over / Under 3.5 goals | 5/4, 8/13 |
| ARS -1.0 | 9/5 |
| MUN +1.0 | 21/20 |
Arsenal vs Man United: best bet
- Pick: Arsenal -1 goal handicap
- Odds: 13/10
Not only have the Gunners been dominant against United at home in recent years, as detailed above, but they also have better finishers in front of goal, and this season has already proven that finishing matters greatly.
United were plagued by finishing issues all last season, and they've already caused problems in 2023/24, as new striker Rasmus Holjund has been sidelined and unable to do his part. United have just four goals scored on 7.44 xG, a huge -3.44 differential that stands behind just Wolves and Everton as the worst in the Premier League through three matches.
Arsenal had similar problems against Fulham, but their main goalscoring duo of Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah are not the culprits, and they should lead the way again here at home.
