Man Utd v Arsenal

Manchester United answered a number of questions about their strength in depth on Monday against Spurs. They proved categorically that they can cope with the absence of a number of stars because the next generation has well and truly arrived at Old Trafford. With the imperious home record of the champions, and Arsenal struggling to recapture former glories, it’s only feasible to back this match to go one way. However, with everybody feeling the same way, it’s increasingly difficult to find value for your wager. The 8/15 on the home victory is unappealing, but refine that just slightly and you find a bet worth taking; United to win and keep a clean sheet is 6/4 with StanJames.

So many people are writing off the Gunners but the odds suggest that people still expect them to score every week. That reputation is well-founded but then again they don’t come up against Alex Ferguson sides each Saturday. The Red Devils won this corresponding fixture 1-0 last season and I can see this match following a similar path.

The United boss will probably feel that if his side can stop Van Persie then they will stop Arsenal. Fabregas and Nasri have departed, while Gervinho is an another attacking threat missing - he is one of three suspended. Jack Wilshire remains sidelined through injury and the other options look limited against opponents of the highest calibre. Wenger’s team have failed to score in either of the Premier League fixtures to date this season. There was a 0-0 draw with Newcastle and a 0-2 defeat to Liverpool; Old Trafford is the wrong place to go to get off and running.

Back United to win with a clean sheet at 6/4 with StanJames.