Defensive woes can help Arsenal belie awful record against United

Arsenal have won just one of their last 14 matches (losing 10) with Manchester United in all competitions, and the same amount of victories in their previous six at the Emirates against them. The visitors are tempting 12/5 chances to beat the Gunners once again.

However, Arsene Wenger’s men have as good a chance as any this time to try and turn around their woeful record against the Red Devils, as the away side have a number of injury issues ahead of the game.

Defence, in particular, is a worry for Louis van Gaal, as he could be without Rafael, Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Luke Shaw, while Marcos Rojo is still definitely sidelined. Radamel Falcao, Ashley Young and Jesse Lingard are all injured, meanwhile, and there are late fitness tests for Michael Carrick, Angel Di Maria and David de Gea.

As a result of this and Man Utd’s inconsistent form, Arsenal are 6/5 favourites for victory. The duo’s last two meetings at this ground have ended in draws, though, so take odds of 12/5 for that outcome again.

Wenger will be able to call upon former Red Devil Danny Welbeck for this encounter, and the England international will have a point to prove, after Van Gaal has openly stated that he was not good enough for United’s XI.

Welbeck has been used in his preferred position since joining up with the Gunners, but has managed only two Premier league goals for them in his first eight appearances. He is 5/4 to score anytime, though, and is part of a Coral matchday enhanced special with odds of 4/1 (max stake £20) for him to net anytime and Arsenal win.

Alexis Sanchez is definitely to watch for the hosts, having bagged eight goals in the league so for this season, and the Chilean is 9/2 to net first. Olivier Giroud, meanwhile, could be set for a return to action after recovering from a broken leg. The Frenchman is 11/2 to come off the bench and score last.