The English Premier League title race is in the final wee hours as we have only two match days left, for the teams that had games in hand like Manchester United have three games remaining. With title winners still not decided this title end games ring anxiety and excitement in equal measure.
The climax of this fixture is a much-anticipated game between Arsenal currently in the pole position and their bitter rivals struggling in form and uncertainty with a new ownership in place. For Arsenal, a victory is essential to keep their hopes alive, while Manchester United seeks to thwart their rivals and salvage a disappointing season.
Erik ten Hag’s men are evidently in the pits. Showcased by a proper thrashing 4-0 defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace and Europa League contention slipping away, United is desperate for an English Premier League win more so against their bitter rival Arsenal.
Arsenals English Premier League Ambitions
For Arsenal, this is a must-win fixture with the fate of their title ambitions being pushed to the limit. Nothing but a win for Arsenal will place them in a higher chance. A draw or a loss will dent their ambitions and put Manchester City in a title-winning position even before they play their game in hand.
With the fate of the championship hanging in the balance for Arsenal, Manchester United will roll up their sleeves to come up with a decent result at Old Trafford to upset their rivals and deny them a title. The historical fixture between these two rivals that were the most decorated clubs in the English Premier League has never disappointed as it offered entertainment and disappointed in equal measures.
Coincidentally whenever this fixture happens to be the tail end of the season one of these teams usually ends up winning the title as is evident 20 years back when Arsenal won the invisible English Premier League at Old Trafford in front of their bitter rivals. What an epic scene it must have been.
Run of Form: Test Coming Against Manchester United
Despite Arsenal’s run of great form in 2024, evident by losing only one game, their recent record at Old Trafford is something that should worry them. With just one win in their last 16 visits, coupled with 10 defeats, the Gunners are acutely aware of the mountain of a challenge that awaits them at Old Trafford. With the English Premier League title within their vicinity touching, Arsenal cannot afford to lose on Sunday.
Manchester United, on the other hand, find themselves in between a rock and a hard place. Far from their former selves, with a run of poor fixtures managing only one win over their last six English Premier League games. The Red Devils are mired in laxity, injuries, and a poor mindset, with rumors circulating of a total overhaul by the new management, the entire Old Trafford is in shambles. Currently sitting outside, the European qualification spots.
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Injury Striken Manchester United
In terms of the lineup. Arsenal entered the game with a fully fit squad firing from all cylinders having five players with more than 15 goal contributions, the only English Premier League team to have such numbers. Crossing the other side Manchester United has a myriad of injuries, this season they have reported more than 60 injuries on first-team players.
These are the most injuries a team has ever had in the history of the sport. The absence of key players such as Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford further compounds United’s woes, leaving them vulnerable against a resurgent Arsenal side.
The tactical dynamics of the match are equally intriguing. Arsenal’s fluid attacking play and defensive solidity have been instrumental in their resurgence under Mikel Arteta. With the best away record in the league, the Gunners pose a potent threat to United’s fragile defense.
Conversely, Manchester United’s defensive frailties and lack of creativity in midfield have been glaring weaknesses, leaving them vulnerable to Arsenal’s incisive counterattacks. As the whistle blows at Old Trafford on Sunday, the stage is set for a high-stakes encounter. Arsenal’s quest for the English Premier League glory hangs in the balance, while Manchester United’s pride and European ambitions are on the line.
You can stream the game on Peacock.
