By André Zahn – André Zahn (User:Nic/de:Benutzer:Nic), CC BY-SA 2.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1008333
Man United ended a run of four Premier League games without a win as they made light work of a feeble Swansea side. Their two main summer attractions Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba got on the scoresheet but they’ll be without the former for this clash through suspension. Although the win was crucial for Mourinho, perhaps most importantly Michael Carrick was given his first league start of the season and his inclusion gave the side a much needed balance. Significantly, United have won all six matches Carrick has taken part in this season.
Arsenal missed an opportunity to make a title statement, not for the first time, after drawing with a Spurs side there for the taking. They’ve won their last four road games but they’ve yet to travel to a fellow top-six side, where their record reads W3-D4-L8 in the last three seasons. The Gunners record against United doesn’t make for great viewing either, winning just two of their last 15 league encounters, and losing seven of their last nine at Old Trafford including last season when United’s starting XI was far weaker than what it will be on Saturday.
The head-to-head between the clubs isn’t the only contest Arsenal come second to United in; Wenger has yet to beat Mourinho in any of their 11 league meetings. United have lost just two of their last 11 home matches against top-six sides, so Wenger could be in for yet another frustrating afternoon at the Theatre of Dreams.
Best Bet: Draw at 3.2
