CAN anyone stop Arsenal’s relentless march towards what few predicted would be a Premier League title this season?
Mikel Arteta has totally transformed the mood on the pitch and in the stands at the Emirates, and finally getting the Gunners back where they belong.
But there is an old foe standing in the way of the Londoners – and it is the only team to have beaten them in the Prem this season.
Erik ten Hag will bring his troops to the capital full of confidence – despite dropping points after Crystal Palace’s late leveller in the week.
To be even in title contention is a miracle for the Dutchman and his troops who has had many battles to win in the months he has been in the hotseat.
The biggest was with Cristiano Ronaldo – but the Dutchman emerged victorious as the Portuguese star’s contract was ripped up and he decided to play in Saudi Arabia.
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Back in September Ten Hag guided United to an impressive 3-1 win against Arsenal at Old Trafford
But this Arsenal is a different beast. Even after being dealt the cruel blow of losing star signing Gabriel Jesus to injury, Arteta has rallied the troops to the highest level.
The likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey look almost unplayable right now.
Here, SunSport checks through all the stats ahead of the mouthwatering clash of the giants – and give a big match prediction.
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What is their form like?
The Arsenal bandwagon looks unstoppable at the moment.
They have lost just ONE game all season, and have won four and drawn one of their last five.
Man Utd are flying aswell – they have won four and drawn one of their last five games.
But they were dealt a sucker-punch last time out as Michael Olise scored a worldie free-kick to salvage Crystal Palace a 1-1 draw.
What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?
Arsenal will still be without summer-signing Gabriel Jesus who is out with a knee injury and also midfielder Reiss Nelson.
Mohamed Elneny will face a late fitness test, but would be on the bench at best.
For Man Utd, Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho are unavailable, Casemiro is suspended, and Anthony Martial is facing a battle to be fit.
Axel Tuanzebe, Diogo Dalot and Donny van de Beek are all ruled out with injury.
Who will be the star men?
Bukayo Saka is almost unplayable for Arsenal at the moment, the same can be said for a few of his team-mates too.
Marcus Rashford is already repaying his manager’s faith in him by becoming on of the Prem’s most lethal marksmen at the moment.
What have the managers said?
After missing out on Mudryk to Chelsea, Arteta was quizzed after the Tottenham win on whether he needs more signings to finish with the title.
He replied: “We had some injuries, long-term injuries and it’s not helpful but we can focus on tomorrow. Train better, train better and review the game.
“We will try to improve the team. There are always a few parties involved.
“The club are willing and they have my support and I have their support.”
Ten Hag was fuming in the week after watching Michael Olise secured Crystal Palace an injury-time point in their clash.
He said: “When you’re winning with two minutes to go, we dropped two points.
“You don’t expect to drop points. We have to invest more to get that second goal and then not be in that situation that a lucky moment costs you two points.
“We were 1-0 up. In the second half we had a lot of space to kill them and go for the second. I never saw we really went for the second goal.
“I have to criticise my team. Go for the second.”
What are the odds?
Arsenal 17/20
Man Utd 29/10
Draw 11/4
Odds courtesy of Betfair.
When is Arsenal vs Man Utd?
Arsenal entertain Man Utd at the Emirates on Sunday, January 22 with a 4.30pm kick-off.
Is the match on TV and what channel is it on?
Good news for footy fans – the game will be shown LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
How can I live stream it?
Sky customers can stream the match on NOW and on the Sky Go app.
You can follow all the action from the mouthwatering title clash through SunSport’s live matchday blog.
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SunSport prediction
Both teams are in superb form – and providing a real upset in the title race with defending champs Man City playing catch and the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea miles behind.
Casemiro’s suspension is a HUGE blow to United’s hopes here – and we thing big enough to help Arsenal bag the points with a 3-1 win.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
