Skip to content

Man Utd v Arsenal: Soccer Saturday pundits make their predictions

Soccer Saturday pundits Paul Merson, Matt Le Tissier, Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas cast their verdict
Image: Who are the Soccer Saturday pundits tipping to win?

Manchester United and Arsenal renew their rivalry on Saturday, live on Sky Sports 1 HD, but who are the Soccer Saturday pundits backing?

The Gunners have found no Premier League ground more difficult to conquer than Old Trafford, last winning at the stadium a decade ago, while Arsene Wenger is yet to beat Jose Mourinho in a competitive fixture.

However, the visitors arrive in superior form, unbeaten since the opening weekend of the season and in position to go top of the Premier League with a victory, while United are already eight points off the pace with just five wins from 11 games.

Six months half price
Six months half price

Upgrade to Sky Sports to watch Man Utd v Arsenal on Saturday and get the first six months half price

Here's what Charlie Nicholas, Matt Le Tissier, Paul Merson and Phil Thompson are predicting for the clash...

Charlie says: "It's one of the few games I am quite negative about for my team, Arsenal. The reason being that none of them turn up for these type of games away from home.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Danny Higginbotham examines the key tactical battles which will play out in Manchester United's clash with Arsenal

"There are plenty of positives. I'm expecting great things from Mesut Ozil after he didn't play in the international break, Aaron Ramsey is back in action, and Theo Walcott hasn't played too many minutes. But they've let me down so many times in these type of games.

"The same happened last season when they needed to go there and really step up their title bid against a vulnerable United and they failed miserably.

Also See:

Mesut Ozil celebrates scoring Arsenal's third goal during the match against Chelsea
Image: Mesut Ozil has been backed to deliver at Old Trafford

"On current form, Arsenal should be going to win this, but I can't back them because of the history at Old Trafford. If they start slowly then a Mourinho team won't let them find their rhythm.

"Everything tells you Arsenal are stronger and better, but this is when they always let themselves down. I hope I'm wrong but I just don't see them winning.

Live Premier League

"I think Marcus Rashford will start up front as his pace has bothered us and I'm actually leaning more towards a United win than Arsenal."

Charlie predicts: 1-1 and Rashford to score first (25/1 with Sky Bet)

Charlie's tip
Charlie's tip

Agree with Charlie? Follow his Sky Bet tip here.

Merse says: "I think this will be a draw. Arsenal thought they could turn up in February and win, and ended up getting beaten 3-2.

"Wenger is moaning about Alexis Sanchez and Chile, I think he's just starting to make excuses already.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Paul Merson picks his Fantasy Six-a-Side team ahead of Manchester United v Arsenal on Saturday

"Really, Arsenal should win this game on form, but with Mourinho's record against Wenger, I think he has a hold over him.

"People aren't really expecting United to win this, with Arsenal playing well, but I'm going for 1-1."

Arsene Wenger clashed with Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge last season
Image: Jose Mourinho maintains a hold over Arsene Wenger, says Merse

Merse predicts: 1-1 and Mesut Ozil to score first (45/1 with Sky Bet)

Thommo says: "It's time for Wenger to break his duck. I don't think there's a better time with Zlatan Ibrahimovic suspended and Eric Bailly injured and doubts over Wayne Rooney, Chris Smalling and Antonio Valencia, so this is the perfect chance to go to Old Trafford and win.

"I don't think the Mourinho record will impact Arsenal too much because they're full of confidence and I think they'll see it as not only a chance to break the hoodoo but to keep the run going.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal pats Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal on the back after he is subbed during the Premier League m
Image: Thommo say it's time for Wenger to stop protecting Alexis Sanchez

"Sanchez will be desperate to keep up his run of scoring and you just hope that Wenger is willing to unleash him and isn't too cautious after the concerns of him playing for Chile."

Thommo predicts: 1-2 and Sanchez to score first (40/1 with Sky Bet)

Le Tiss says: "I've edged towards Arsenal in my combined XI, with six of my picks coming from Arsene Wenger's squad, but two of the Manchester United players I've gone for are unavailable, so it's really leaning in the visitors' favour.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Ahead of Arsenal's trip to Manchester United, we take a look back at some of the more memorable strikes seen between the two sides over the years

"However, Wenger just can't beat Mourinho. The Community Shield is effectively a friendly so I'm not counting that, so the monkey is still on his back."

Le Tiss predicts: 1-1 and Mata to score first (40/1 with Sky Bet)

Manchester United's Zlatan Ibrahimovic (C) reacts during the UEFA Europa League football Fenerbahce SK vs Manchester United at the Fenerbahce Ulker Stadium
Image: Zlatan Ibrahimovic misses the clash due to a one-match ban

Upgrade to Sky Sports now to watch Man Utd v Arsenal this Saturday and get the first six months half price!

Around Sky