Arsenal takes on Manchester United this weekend, and prior to last week, many fans would have deemed the outcome a foregone conclusion.
However, recent results have changed the perspective, including that of former Premier League striker Michael Owen.
Michael Owen Makes Bold Arsenal vs. Manchester United Prediction
Man United had a poor start to the season but have slowly managed to steady the ship. They lost to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup and were knocked out of the FA Cup by Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this month.
However, in the Premier League, they have managed to push for a UEFA Champions League spot and are just one point away from fourth-place Liverpool. They surprised fans worldwide last week by convincingly beating Manchester City, 2-0, which drew plenty of attention.
Meanwhile, Arsenal started the season in fine form and have continued to dominate the league. They have had back-to-back goal-less draws but still remain seven points clear at the top.
The recent results has seen many second-guessing themselves. Owen was on Premier League productions’ The Final Word and said that there is a good chance Man United surprises the Gunners this week. He said:
“Now they’re going to go to Arsenal and it’s going to be pretty similar. They’re going to be out of possession for a lot of the time. They’re going to be sitting deep. Suits their back four’s back form massively and they’re going to have pace on the attack.
“So, actually, this game, I actually fancy Manchester United at the moment against the better teams. I think they really suit sucking up pressure and hitting with pace on the attack. Now, over time, they’re going to have to develop and beat the lesser teams, let’s say, in the league. But I don’t think they’re going to be scared of going to Arsenal and sitting back and playing to their strengths like they did at the weekend.”
Mikel Arteta’s side defeated the Red Devils earlier this season, when the two sides met on the opening day of the season. Riccardo Calafiori scored the lone goal of the game in the 13th minute, but the home side managed to impress at Old Trafford when they were under Ruben Amorim.
The Portuguese manager has now been sacked, with Michael Carrick taking over as the head coach until the end of the season.
