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Manchester Evening News
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Jack Flintham

Michael Owen and Mark Lawrenson predict same result for Arsenal vs Manchester United

Manchester United return to Premier League action on Saturday in what is sure to be a nail-biting fixture away at Arsenal.

United go into the match sixth in the table after their defeat to Liverpool in midweek. Meanwhile, the Gunners will be full of confidence after an impressive victory at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

A win for Arsenal would be disastrous for United and would all but end their hopes of reaching the top four. However, three points for Ralf Rangnick's men would pile the pressure on Tottenham before their game at Brentford later in the day.

ALSO READ: Manchester United fans split on news that Paul Pogba has likely played his last game for the club

Here's how the pundits expect the game to play out this weekend.

Paul Merson

Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson said: "This is a harder game than most people think. Most fans think Arsenal are going to turn up and win, but this is a difficult game.

"Arsenal are a young team and are very inconsistent. They've lost three games on the trot but defeated Chelsea easily.

"Manchester United are going to turn up here - I've just got a feeling. No one expects them to do anything this season, so they'll just go out and play.

"That might make it a little difficult for Arsenal. It'll be hard for Cristiano Ronaldo to play this game but if he does, I'd expect the others to turn up for him.

"Erik ten Hag has been appointed as Manchester United's manager this week - very good luck to him. I don't think his appointment will have much of an impact on this game, but Arsenal will not find it easy this weekend."

Merson Prediction: Arsenal 2-2 Manchester United

Mark Lawrenson

"After a run of poor performances, Arsenal looked a really good side in their win over Chelsea on Wednesday," Lawrenson told BBC Sport. "It was an outstanding display all round, and part of it was down to the way the Gunners were much quicker and fitter - the Blues looked flat.

"United, meanwhile, just didn't turn up at Anfield and got the result they deserved. Their fans will be hoping for a reaction after such a dismal display but I'm not convinced this team are capable of one.

"With Fred and Scott McTominay still out injured, United are going to lack bite in midfield - they would have made some difference to the manner of Tuesday's defeat and given the team a bit of steel that they badly missed. The only thing that is stopping me going for an Arsenal win is that they have been in a position before where they had a grip on fourth place - in fact, they could almost have guaranteed it by now.

"They have not dealt with that scenario very well in the past few weeks so I am not convinced things will be different this time. It has to be said, though, that United are all over the place at the moment.

"With the players he has available, we don't know how Ralf Rangnick will pick a team and decide on a formation. A point would be a very good result for them in the circumstances."

Lawrenson Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United

Michael Owen

The former England international told BetVictor: "This should be an interesting one. It’s hard to know what to expect from Arsenal.

"They had three defeats in a row and then beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. I’m curious how they will follow that up.

"They’ve been struggling for goals, so it was good to see Eddie Nketiah get his opportunity. United hit rock bottom at Anfield on Tuesday.

"The only good news this week has been the appointment of Erik Ten Hag. That should give the whole club a lift, even though he doesn’t take charge until the summer. I can’t see Man United being as bad again in this one."

Owen Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United

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