TOM LOVE (@TomLove_18) has perused the markets ahead of Super Sunday's mouthwatering match-up between Arsenal and Manchester United at The Emirates.
Arsenal v Manchester United | Sunday 10th March 2019, 16:30 | Sky Sports
The race for a top-four finish in the Premier lEAGUE is been naturally overlooked somewhat by the title challenge between Liverpool and Manchester City. It’s just as intriguing though, only five points separate third to sixth and it’s got tighter with Manchester United’s strong run and Spurs’ recent demise.
United were not fancied by most to even get a draw in Paris midweek, however a late Marcus Rashford penalty secured a 3-1 win and a quarter-final Champions League berth. After the physical and mental exertions of that game, to come back and win at the Emirates with a depleted squad would be another major statement from Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
Arsenal went down 3-1 against Rennes in the Europa League in Brittany on Thursday night. It was an unwelcome result and the sending off of Sokratis visibly hampered them. With the possibility of elimination from that tournament all too feasible, Unai Emery will highlight this as a huge game in the race for champions League qualification.
The Gunners are decent on their own patch and that’s why they’re 29/20 favourites here. Only Manchester City have picked up more points at home than Arsenal (38) but United have won their last six on the road – something therefore has to give here.
Anthony Martial, Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera are all back in contention, which is a boost for the Red Devils. Also Paul Pogba will be fresh after not playing midweek due to suspension and he will be eager to have an impact.
Pogba’s always a good thing in the shots market, the Frenchman averages 3.03 shots per-game in the Premier League with 1.70 hitting the target. He’s 12/5 with Coral on their ‘BuildYourBet’ feature to have 2+ shots on-target, and at that price it looks worth a go.
Arsenal are giving up a hefty 1.40 Expected Goals (xG) against and teams are given opportunities should they be brave on the ball. Pogba is also on often on free kicks and he takes penalties.
Goals expected at the Emirates
It’s a tough one in the 1X2 market so I’ll happily leave the outrights alone. I am, however, happy to back a goal-heavy game and the 17/20 (Coral) on Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams To Score makes plenty of appeal. It has seen the money come for it throughout the week, it opened at 10/11 but the current price is still fair.
Arsenal matches have seen an average of 3.40 goals per-game in the league whereas United games hit 3.30 goals per-game. Both sides’ xG is comfortably over 3.00, as well. Both are up there for BTTS too – 76% of Arsenal games have seen both sides net, whereas United have seen 72% land on the same metric.
This bet landed in both the sides meetings earlier this season and they’re both much better attacking than defending. It should be an entertaining one, enjoy!
Best Bets
Arsenal v Manchester United – Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams To Score (17/20 Coral)
Arsenal v Manchester United – Paul Pogba to have 2+ shots on-target (12/5 Coral)
