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The most anticipated match of the round in the Premier League will see two struggling teams, in the form of Arsenal and Manchester United, square off at the Emirates.
I was very defensive when it came to Arsenal early in the season, saying that results were poor because of a tough schedule, but reality is starting to creep in and it is obvious that the hosts are not on the right track. They are not playing bad, but clearly below expectations and the recent overload of injuries did not help. The last two matches for the Gunners were a 3-3 draw vs. Anderlecht and a 1-2 defeat at Swansea. The bright spot for Wenger`s side however has been Alexis Sanchez, who is in absolute deadly form right now and clearly a one man show in this side.
United is even worse than last season statistically speaking and honestly I doubt they will get much better under Van Gaal. The dutch manager simply does not have the tactics for Premier League football and he put together a horrible defense at Manchester. United got their first win in 4 games in the last round, barely edging Crystal Palace 1-0. On the road the Devils have an abysmal record of 3 draws and 3 losses this season in all competitions, despite playing really poor teams except for Manchester City.
Bet on Arsenal vs. Manchester United with the best Premier league odds at Ladbrokes.
Team news: Arsenal will still miss Debuchy, Ozil, Koscielny, Ospina and Diaby. Giroud is fit again but it`s unlikely he will play. The new injury worries are Welbeck and Walcott who are doubtful. Alexis Sanchez is slightly doubtful but he will almost surely start. Manchester United will have to do without Rojo, Rafael, Blind and Falcao, while Shaw, Jones, Evans and Young are questionable.
I think Arsenal will edge this and we might see a few goals as well, but the best value bet is Alexis Sanchez to score. I`m not a fan of this betting type but I really like it in this case. Alexis has been simply brilliant, he has scored in the last 6 matches he played (including for Chile this week) and has 8 goals in 11 Premier League matches. If you watched Arsenal play you know that all balls go trough him, he is the best and most in form player in the team and the number 1, 2 and 3 offensive option – not to mention regular free kick taker. With United being very poor defensively and also having a ton of injury problems at the back, Alexis should be able to create chances for himself and bang in at least one goal (especially with Welbeck not fully fit). As I said there is a slight doubt over Sanchez`s fitness, but he has a very minor hamstring problem, all reports say he will start and I can`t envision Wenger not using his star man from the first minute. If he doesn`t play, the bet is void, if he comes in in the second half (unlikely) he can still find the net.
My tip is Alexis Sanchez anytime goalscorer. Odds are very, very solid, I wasn`t expecting anything over 2.4-2.5 here. Prediction: Arsenal – Manchester United 2-1.
Pick: Alexis Sanchez anytime goalscorer
Odds: 2.70 @ Ladbrokes
Stake: 6
Possible profit: 10.2
Event date: 22 November
