Manchester United face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on New Years Day in what promises to be a fascinating encounter.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Reds are looking to make it three wins from three after impressive performances against Newcastle and Burnley over the festive period.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are without a win under new manager Mikel Arteta, but put in an encouraging display against Chelsea despite slipping to a defeat.
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The Gunners have remarkably now fallen to 12th in the Premier League table with over half of the games played.
But former player Charlie Nicholas liked what he saw from Arsenal’s efforts against Chelsea and believes they will do enough to secure victory on Wednesday evening.
“Man Utd are getting good results, while the counter-attack is so dangerous at the Emirates,” he told Sky Sports.
“I am going to stick with Arsenal, as they can get at the full-backs and defence. It seems more pleasant to watch but the table looks awful for Arsenal.
“They need a win and it is not about closing the gap to the top four as that is fantasy for them this year. Mikel Arteta started with a draw and a harsh defeat so it is time for them to get a win. Man Utd will be very dangerous on the counter-attack, but Reiss Nelson has been decent, and Arteta could give Nicolas Pepe a start. He may just be ready to come and do something. 3-2.”
While we acknowledge this is a tough game for Solskjaer’s men, we feel United will fancy their chances against an Arsenal side starved of victories in recent months. United’s counter-attacking threat of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Daniel James will cause serious problems and if they are clinical in front of goal we could be seeing a third consecutive league win.
The Reds also had a welcome clean sheet against Burnley at Turf Moor, but will face a different challenge on Wednesday with Arsenal’s tricky attackers.
