Man Utd vs Arsenal: Statistical Preview, Form Guide, Injury News & Head-To-Head

Manchester United and Arsenal will bring this weekend’s Premier League action to a close on Sunday at Old Trafford ahead of next weekend’s international break.

Both sides enter the match on the back of domestic victories; Manchester United 3-1 at Fulham last weekend and Arsenal 2-0 victors over Liverpool. They were both in action in the Champions League midweek – Manchester United being held 0-0 at Real Sociedad whilst Arsenal won 1-0 at Borussia Dortmund.

Attention on both managers will be heavy – this is the first time Arsenal have faced Manchester United in the Premier League without Sir Alex Ferguson in charge. For Arsenal, questions will be raised about whether Arsène Wenger’s side can continue their good form which has seen them pick up 25 points from a possible 30 and lead the Premier League by 5 points after 10 games.

Form

Manchester United WWDWL

After a slow start to the season which saw David Moyes lose 3 of his first 6 Premier League games in charge of Manchester United, his side have found some form with 10 points from their last four. The three victories in that run have come against sides currently in the bottom five; Sunderland, Stoke City and Fulham, whilst they were held 1-1 at home by Southampton.

Robin van Persie has scored in each of his last three Premier League appearances and now has 6 goals in nine league appearances this season. Wayne Rooney is one behind him in the club’s top scorer charts this season but has been their best performer and a match winner on the pitch. Defensively, Manchester United have only kept 2 clean sheets this season – they came at home to Chelsea and Crystal Palace.

Rafael, Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck are all doubts for this match meaning Marouane Fellaini could start. The Belgian has failed to win in any of his 5 Premier League starts this season.

Arsenal WWWDW

Arsenal continued their flying start to the season with a 2-0 victory over Liverpool last weekend, limting their opponents to few chances. Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey scoring in each half. The Wales captain then scored the winner in Germany midweek.

The Gunners have a lot of goalscoring threats in their team now – Olivier Giroud, Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Özil and Santi Cazorla. And they still have Theo Walcott, Lukas Podolski and Jack Wilshere sidelined!

As well as the three injuries mentioned above, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Abou Diaby and Yaya Sanogo are all also out but Mathieu Flamini is expected to return to the squad.

Head-to-head

Manchester United won this fixture 2-1 last season which included Robin van Persie scoring inside 3 minutes after a Thomas Vermaelen mistake. The two sides drew 1-1 in the reverse fixture at the Emirates Stadium.

A change in manager for Manchester United and a change in form for Arsenal since last season’s defeat. Arsène Wenger played out a 1-1 and 0-0 draw with David Moyes’ Everton last season.

Premier League stats

Absentees

Manchester United
Michael Carrick (injury)
Danny Welbeck (injury)

Arsenal
About Diaby (injury)
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (injury)
Lukas Podolski (injury)
Theo Walcott (injury)

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