Manchester United – Arsenal, Sunday 17h (CET)

The first real test for United?

Differently from previous summer market, the Red Devils made some serious shopping. They brought an excellent winger, Ashley Young, from Villa and paired him with Nani making a killing duo. Talented Phil Jones should be “growing” beside Rio and Vidic to be replacement one day. Only concern is new goalie, David De Gea. In the first two games, he made few serious errors. Last Monday, against Spurs, we could see another set of mistakes combined with brilliant savings. He’s obviously a big talent, but will certainly need some time to find “some peace at the goal”. Saying that, I think he’s currently the weakest link in Sir Alex’s machinery. Darren Fletcher returns to the squad after suffering from a virus, Rio Ferdinand and Antonio Valencia are back in training, while Nemanja Vidic will be absent for “another month” (according to Ferguson). In the previous season, Man Utd were the best home side winning all league games but one (weird 2-2 draw vs. West Brom). They’re also fearless against Arsenal at Old Trafford, have lost just once of last 13 matches in all competitions and won six of last seven (one draw).

Buy someone, Arsene!

The Gunners have been making a pretty turbulent start of the season. They’ve noticed just a point of two opening rounds (goalless draw at Newcastle and home defeat vs. Liverpool 0-2) and new failure would make a serious gap of eight points between them and first place. Next, they’ve lost two key (maybe even the best) players, Fabregas (to Barca) and Nasri (to Man City). According to UK press, club has received a total of 60 mill pound for both players. And there’s an unusual situation. Club’s management actually expects from Wenger to spend it and bring some quality. The problem is the transfer window is open only few more days. And my impression is those few days will be decisive about Arsenal’s ambitions this season, but also about Wenger as their manager. Right now, they don’t look competitive and while their display against Udinese (win 2-1) brought some optimism, without new players they could find themselves in Europa League next year.

Arsenal can score

Now when United showed what they can do even with all defensive problems (I mean trashing Spurs 3-0), books offer even less price for home win (which should logically means Arsenal won’t be so “dangerous” as Tottenham), it is in the range 1.45-1.50. I agree United are closer to win, but Arsenal’s speed could cause some problems. Chris Smalling is talented and strong defender, but at the position of left-back will have to keep the eye on the fastest lad in Premier – Theo Walcott. In combination with Robin van Persie against duo Jones-Evans, I can see Arsenal scoring. Which further implies that only one goal wouldn’t be enough for United to win.

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Over 2.5 @ 1.85 (Bet365)

Other bet:

Ashley Young anytime goalscorer @ 4.00 (Paddy Power)