Arsenal vs Manchester United. Premier League.
Emirates Stadium.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has missed Arsenal's last two games while Eric Bailly and Anthony Martial are available for Man Utd; follow Arsenal vs Man Utd on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event from 5pm on Saturday; kick-off 5.30pm
Saturday 30 January 2021 19:41, UK
Team news and stats ahead of Arsenal vs Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday; kick-off 5.30pm.
Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang remains a major doubt for their home Premier League clash with Manchester United on Saturday evening.
The forward has missed the last two games after revealing his mother is suffering from "health issues" and mystery surrounds whether he will be in contention for the game at the Emirates Stadium.
New signing Martin Odegaard is likely to be named on the bench and the Gunners should have Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe available after the pair limped out of the win over Southampton on Tuesday with minor knocks, while Dani Ceballos and Pablo Mari (both calf) and Kieran Tierney (fitness) could also feature.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer expects Eric Bailly and Anthony Martial to be available for Manchester United.
Bailly missed Wednesday's shock defeat to Sheffield United through injury and Martial went off late on with a shoulder complaint.
Solskjaer has checked on Martial and Axel Tuaznebe after the pair were subjected to racist abuse on social media following that loss. Brandon Williams has missed recent matches and Amad Diallo is set to line up the U23s.
Arsenal vs Man Utd will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event from 5pm on Saturday; kick-off at 5.30pm. Sky Sports customers can watch in-game clips in the live match blog on the Sky Sports website and app. Free highlights will also be published on the Sky Sports digital platforms and the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel shortly after the final whistle.
I think my Manchester United to win the Premier League ticket at 25/1 may have peaked. Did I trade out for a profit? Nope, I decided to dream.
There could be trouble ahead for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, whose team looked devoid of inspiration, ideas and energy in the Sheffield United defeat. There is a blip on the way.
Yes, United are unbeaten in their last 17 Premier League away games but individual quality has been getting them out of some sticky situations. Wins at West Ham, Southampton and Brighton were all games that could have easily swung the other way.
Arsenal look in the mood to stifle United's key players and move closer to the top four. Mikel Arteta's side have picked up 15 points from the last available 18, keeping clean sheets in four of their last five Premier League games. It is also relevant that United have failed to win any of their five Premier League games vs traditional 'big-six' sides this season (D2 L3), failing to score from open play in any of those games (scored one penalty).
I think Arsenal are a fair price at 9/2 to win to nil.
Rob Holding is fast becoming Arteta's rock at the heart of the Arsenal defence.
He has started the last 10 games for the Gunners, performing excellently as the club have climbed the Premier League. But one thing is missing: a Premier League goal. He has never scored one.
However, the signs are very positive in that regard. Since Arsenal's defeat to Tottenham, Holding has developed intoa massive threat at set-pieces. In that period he has registered 10 shots at goal, posting an expected goal figure of 0.61 - now, that may not seem high but it is a return akin to the likes of Harry Maguire, Lewis Dunk and Aaron Webster, all of whom trade around 20/1 most weeks to score first. We're able to get 100/1 on Holding, highlighting a huge edge in terms of probability in our favour.
United have conceded five goals from corners this season, including one in the defeat to Sheffield United on Wednesday. It is an area Arsenal should find some joy from, with hopefully Holding the man to take full advantage.
JONES KNOWS PREDICTS: 2-0 (9/1 with Sky Bet)
ALSO LOOK OUT FOR: Rob Holding to score first (100/1 with Sky Bet)
In this week's Pitch to Post Preview Podcast Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp joins Peter Smith to look ahead to the big Saturday night clash between Arsenal and Manchester United, and gives his verdict on Emile Smith Rowe, Martin Odegaard - and why Man Utd slipped up against Sheffield United.
We also get the inside story on Man City's title pursuit from Sky Sports News reporter Ben Ransom, who explains how one City star has been transformed by Pep Guardiola's methods this season.
And Sky Sports feature writer Adam Bate reflects on Liverpool's much-needed win at Tottenham - and the injuries sustained which could impact both sides. Plus he makes his Pitch for what will happen in the next round of Premier League games…
Listen to the Sky Sports Pitch to Post Podcast on: Spotify | Apple | Castbox