Two of the world’s top clubs will meet Saturday as Premier League sides Arsenal and Manchester United face off in a friendly.
Mikel Arteta has numerous players who will miss out due to rest, while Erik ten Hag will also will have to make selection choices, which my Arsenal vs. Man United predictions see impacting the defense early.
Find out why we’re expecting goals in our EPL betting picks for Saturday, July 27.
Arsenal vs Man United picks and predictions
My best bet:
Over 1.5 goals 1H (+105 at Betano)
My analysis
While Manchester United have yet to play a match with anything resembling their full starting XI, it’s been more of the same so far this preseason. And by that, I mean plenty of goal-mouth action for their opponents.
In their shocking 1-0 defeat to Rosenborg to open their preseason, the Red Devils conceded 22 shots and five big chances. While it’s important to note they ended the match with almost nothing but youth players as they conceded in stoppage time, they were being outshot from the opening whistle.
Man United performed better against Rangers the last time out, but their 2-0 still saw them finish with 10 shots apiece. Andre Onana had to make five saves to keep his clean sheet.
Arsenal didn’t look very convincing defensively themselves when they drew 1-1 with Bournemouth before winning on penalties. They were outshot 11-9 by the Cherries, who created the only two big chances of the fixture. Without the likes of Declan Rice and William Saliba, their defense looks nothing like the stellar outfit we saw in the Premier League this past season.
Both Man United and Arsenal have been without their best weapons offensively as players recover from Copa America and the European Championships, but we’ll see some attackers return for this match. Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund are expected to feature for Erik ten Hag’s side, while Mikel Arteta will have Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli available.
Given both defenses will be missing numerous key players, this gives the advantage to the attacks. Furthermore, these sides always produce goals when they get together — friendly and competitive matches alike. And it’s important to note that Arsenal will be without their top two GKs for this fixture.
Five of the last seven meetings between the clubs have seen at least four goals scored before halftime. That includes Man United’s 2-0 friendly victory last summer. I’m banking on that repeating itself here, as multiple star players will likely get 45 minutes of run before coming off at halftime.
Arsenal vs Man United same-game parlay (SGP)
First half - most goals
Both teams to score - Yes
Amad Diallo anytime goalscorer
With Man United’s defensive frailties, it’s hard to see them keeping a clean sheet. Ten Hag is making moves to shore up the back line, but he won’t have his full complement of players here with the likes of Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez not making the trip.
On Arsenal’s side, the absences of Rice and Saliba are huge. It puts pressure on a back line that will likely feature Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior. I expect we’ll see both defenses breached at some point.
Speaking of Zinchenko, he’s Arsenal’s weak link at the back, and I like Amad Diallo to cause him problems. He’s Man United’s most in-form attacker at the moment, scoring against Rangers and looking dangerous throughout. While it’s hard to pick anybody to score in a friendly with all the substituting that takes place, his price of +320 is very favorable given his matchup, and how he’s playing and boosts our parlay tremendously.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Arsenal vs Man United odds
- Moneyline: Arsenal +125| Man United +150
- Draw: +300
- Over/Under: Over 2.5 (-250) | Under 2.5 (+175)
Arsenal vs Man United side and Over/Under analysis
- Arsenal are slightly favored at +112, with Man United at +210 and the draw a distant third choice at +295.
- Man United won their friendly 2-0 last summer, but Arsenal have won three straight meetings in the Premier League.
- The total sees the line set at 3.5 goals, with the Under priced at -125.
- There have been 4+ goals scored in five of their last seven meetings.
Arsenal vs Man United game info
| Location: | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date: | Saturday, 7-27-2024 |
| Time: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN |
Arsenal vs Man United key injuries
Arsenal: Declan Rice M (Out), David Raya GK (Out), Aaron Ramsdale GK (Out), William Saliba D (Out), Bukayo Saka F (Out).
Man United: Bruno Fernandes M (Out), Lisandro Martinez D (Out), Luke Shaw D (Out), Tyrell Malacia D (Out), Kobbie Mainoo M (Out), Alejandro Garnacho F (Out).
Not intended for use in MA.
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