Arsenal (21-7-7, 70 Points) can ensure itself safety into the group stage of the Champions League on Sunday if it can get at least a point at Old Trafford against Manchester United (20-8-8, 68 Points).
ODDS ANALYSIS
By all accounts, all of the pressure is on United in this match. The Red Devils need a win and some help to get out of fourth place and avoid a home-and-home duel just to get into the Champions League.
The betting odds suggest that that pressure will be present. Man U is favored, but just barely. The hosts are +133 on the moneyline. Arsenal is a very public side at +213 on the moneyline and +0.5 (-158) on the Asian handicap.
The total is somewhat high at 2.5 (over -122).
KEY INJURIES
Striker options are very thin right now at Old Trafford, and that could really hurt Manchester United. Neither Robin van Persie nor Wayne Rooney are expected to play in this match, which leaves out of form Radamel Falcao essentially alone in terms of experience up front.
The Gunners won't have Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Debuchy, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain or Danny Welbeck in this one, though we don't expect it to matter. Arsene Wenger has used the exact same Starting XI in five straight Premier League duels, the first time he has done such in his career since 1994.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"We feel positive. We won there once, and it's possible to do that twice per season. We are looking forward to it. It'll be a massive crowd again. They will have respect. We are still in a good mood and good level of confidence. I think we are looking forward to the next four games." – Arsenal's Per Mertesacker on his side's level of confidence going into Old Trafford
RECENT FORM
Arsenal was beaten 1-0 last week at home against Swansea, ending a 10-game streak without a loss in the Premier League. Still, the Gunners were the better of the two teams and clearly were the better side.
United won last week at Crystal Palace, removing the stench which remained from a 1-0 loss at home against West Brom in its last duel here at Stamford Bridge. That win did essentially ensure that the team would be in the Champions League next year, though the hometown crowd would much rather see a third place finish to guarantee that coveted group stage spot.
TALKING TOTALS
The Gunners played an under duel last week against Swansea, which is nothing new. Four of their last five matches have stayed under the total across all competitions.
The over is 7-2 in Manchester United's last nine matches, though there have been signs of trouble with the injuries to the men up front. The only reason those two goals were scored against Crystal Palace last week was because the Eagles are still just flying on Cloud Nine to get safe for another year in the Premier League.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
It really feels like Manchester United is limping to the finish line of this season, while Arsenal is still brimming with confidence.
We would be lying if we said that Arsenal's heavy schedule down the stretch wasn't concerning, but at least Wenger has a game plan of who he wants out there game in and game out. Louis van Gaal has nothing of the sorts for Manchester United, especially with two-thirds of his strikers out.
A draw is good enough for the Gunners in this case, and we think that's exactly what they are going to end up getting to lock down that third and final guaranteed Champions League slot.
Manchester United 1, Arsenal 1
BookMaker has live English Premier League odds for every clash of the season. You can find a moneyline price on Manchester United of +133 and a total of 2.5 (over -122) right now! BookMaker is also going to have multiple betting options available for this nationally-televised match. Live wagering during commercials offers an adjusted moneyline, total and spread. Log in and start gambling during the soccer game now!
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker Sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here, so start betting with BookMaker today! The fixture between Manchester United and Arsenal will take place at 11:00 a.m. ET on Sunday, May 16, 2015 at Old Trafford. The game will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Network.
