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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Liam Wood

Gary Neville and three pundits agree over Arsenal vs Manchester United prediction

Manchester United are ready to collide with leaders Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Having picked up 16 points from a possible 18, either side of the World Cup break, United have moved into third as they prepare to test their title credentials - without the suspended Casemiro - against a high-flying team they have already beaten this season. But how much of an impact will the absent Brazilian have?

Here is what Gary Neville and three other pundits think will happen at the Emirates Stadium.

Gary Neville - Sky Sports

Neville was pressed on the Arsenal match during his latest appearance in the Sky Sports studio. He said: "They beat them without Casemiro last time. They're going to have to play extremely well and defend especially in the first half an hour when Arsenal are electric, but they don't have a great bench.

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"If you get through that first period of the game, what you're going to face then is what you're going to face later in the game. They had that problem against Newcastle who defended really well against them, but Arsenal are in great form, massive favourites for the game with Casemiro out.

"United have got to hang in there for that first part of the game and they are dangerous on the counter-attack. But, without Casemiro, I expect Arsenal to win on Sunday afternoon."

Score prediction: Arsenal to beat Manchester United

Paul Merson - Sportskeeda

Sharing his Sportskeeda predictions, Merson added: "This is the biggest Premier League game of the season so far. If Arsenal win this game, Manchester United could be out of the title race. This is a massive game as they'll be 11 points behind Arsenal if they lose this match.

"This is a much harder game for Arsenal than the Tottenham match. Casemiro is a big player and United would have had just as much of a chance as Arsenal if he was available. He brings experience to the midfield and would've been on Martin Odegaard. They'll miss his presence in this match.

"With him suspended, I'm backing Arsenal to win."

Score prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Manchester United

Chris Sutton - BBC Sport

Writing in his BBC Sport column, Sutton continued: "I always have a sneaky feeling for Manchester United in games like this, with Marcus Rashford so good on the counter-attack and Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen having the eye for the pass that would put him through.

"On the flip side, I wonder how much Wednesday's draw with Palace will have taken out of Erik ten Hag's side, who will be missing the suspended Casemiro in midfield, too.

"I think this will be a great game to watch because of United's threat on the break, but Arsenal are at home and they are playing like they believe they can beat anyone at the moment."

Score prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Manchester United

Mark Lawrenson - Paddy Power

While serving up his Paddy Power tips, Lawrenson said: "Manchester United are still the only team to have beaten Arsenal in the league this season, but Mikel Arteta made a few changes in that game and that gamble backfired. I'm going to go for Arsenal to turn the tables in this one.

"They're excellent, they've got so many match-winners and are strong at the back. They're organised and have good players in all areas. I can't see a weakness at the moment."

Score prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United

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