Arsenal v Man Utd: 11/5 Fernandes to make his mark | OneFootball

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Gunners will want to open gap

While Arsenal's continuing failure to win the Premier League is so often put down to their own inadequacies, a big part of the problem has been the excellence of their rivals. Last year it was Liverpool, prior to that it was Manchester City.

But if you keep putting yourselves in position, there will be a season when no outstanding rival emerges. It appears that's where we are this time.

So while 0-0 draws at home to Liverpool and away to Nottingham Forest have made many doubt the Gunners' credentials, no damage has been done.

In fact, Arsenal actually extended their lead at the top to seven points last weekend after nearest challengers Manchester City and Aston Villa both lost.

With 16 games of the 38 to go, Arsenal are just 1.24 on the exchange to win the title. Victory here would be another important step towards that goal.

Can Carrick follow up after dream start?

It couldn't have gone any better for interim boss Michael Carrick in his first game back in charge of United.

While nicking a draw or even a gutsy one-nil victory were conceivable, very few had United totally outplaying City in the Manchester derby. The 2-0 scoreline did not flatter them one bit.

The only downside to that performance came earlier this week when City were embarrassed 3-1 away to Bodo/Glimt. In other words, did United just cash in on a side that aren't all that when striker Erling Haaland (now one goal in eight) isn't firing.

That assessment probably sells United short as they did do lots of things right in the derby and Carrick's right-hand man, Steve Holland, is a definite boost to the ranks in terms of tactical acumen.

While it's easy to think this is the last fixture United would have picked to build on that dream start, perhaps Carrick and Holland will love the opportunity to try and bring down Arsenal as well.

Gunners seeking to extend home streak against United

It's a big ask for the visitors as they've lost five of the last six against Arsenal while they've been defeated at the Emirates in each of the last four Premier League encounters.

But there is a fresh positive memory for United fans from last season's FA Cup third round as the Red Devils won a penalty shootout at Arsenal despite being reduced to 10 men. The game had finished 1-1.

Also note that Carrick's first and only Premier League victory (3-2) in his previous stint as United manager came against Arteta's Arsenal at Old Trafford in December 2021.

For Sunday's showdown, Arsenal are 4/7 for the win, with Manchester United 5/1 and The Draw 3/1. The stalemate is fairly tempting.

Fernandes can make an impact

Arsenal give up so few chances that it can be offputting to try and find a goalscorer bet from the other side.

But Bruno Fernandes isn't your average opposition player. He tops the assists charts with nine and has created more chances in the Premier League this season (62) than anyone.

Add in three goals in his last six United games and there's definitely scope to play the Portuguese in the To Score Or Assist market at 11/5.

It's worth noting that he has decent numbers against Arsenal too. In his last nine league and cup games for United against the Gunners, he's been involved in five goal contributions, netting three times and assisting twice.

Arsenal have the best defence in the Premier League but the facts show that they've conceded in seven of their last nine games in all competitions. Fernandes is the man who can unlock that Gunners defence.

Market fancies BTTS

Looking at some of the other markets, Both teams to Score is 8/11 while an Arsenal win with BTTS is 11/5.

Over 2.5 goals is just 4/6 so the 11/10 for Unders may well appeal to those who sat through the Gunners' two recent 0-0s against Liverpool and Forest. Under 1.5? That's 7/2.

United ended last weekend in fifth place and just a point behind Liverpool. They go into the latest round of matches trading at 3.65 on the exchange for a Top 4 Finish.

Finally, Fernandes also pops up in an OddsBoost. It's 13/2, increased from 11/2, for Fernandes to assist a goal & to commit 1 or more fouls. That certainly has its merits.