The race for the top 4 is well and truly on and, with just 9 remaining matchdays to go, it's time to give an Arsenal vs Manchester United prediction and some betting tips for a game that could have a major influence on the Champions League lineup next season.

Within this article, you'll find a recent form guide for Arsenal and Manchester United, pre-match analysis of squad injuries and strategies, alongside a match prediction and betting tips.

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Form Guide

Arsenal

Arsenal have failed to impress for large parts of the season but have been on a good run of form lately. They now find themselves in 5th place in the Premier League table on 57 points, 1 point behind 4th placed Manchester United and 1 point clear of 6th placed Chelsea. In their previous 5 games, Arsenal won 3, lost 1, and drew 1.

Statistically, Arsenal have been impressive in attack so far this season. They've scored 61 times in the Premier League, an average of 2.10 goals per game. However, they have been a little sloppy at the back at times and have conceded 39 goals, an average of 1.34 goals per game.

Manchester United

Manchester United hit the reset button when Solskjær took over from Mourinho and have been in fine form ever since. This has seen them rise up the table into 4th place in the Premier League, a position many felt was too much of a stretch for them. Over their previous 5 games, Manchester United won 4 and drew 1.

Statistically, Manchester United are still suffering from the poor run of form under Mourinho earlier in the season, but things are improving on an almost weekly basis. They've scored 58 times in the Premier League, an average of 1.93 goals per game. Defensively, they haven't been quite as impressive having conceded 38 times, an average of 1.27 goals per game.

Head to Head

In the previous 10 meetings between the clubs, Arsenal won 3, Manchester United won 4, and there were 3 draws. Arsenal have failed to record a win in this fixture in their previous 4 attempts, losing 3 along the way.

Pre Match Analysis

Arsenal

Arsenal are somewhat of a mystery at times in the Premier League and this has been the case for several years now. Their squad is full of top-class talent and they tend to dismantle lower ranked teams with relative ease. However, they do seem to lose their edge when playing higher ranked teams and even find themselves on the end of a heavy defeat in these fixtures more often than would be desirable. It seemed that Chelsea were going to finish in 4th place with ease earlier in the season but Arsenal have done well to keep themselves in the race, albeit now battling for a position against this resurgent Manchester United team. If the Gunners could get a win here, they would become favourites for a Champions League qualification place at the end of the season.

Strategically, Arsenal need to be cautious that they don't overcommit players in the early stages of the game as Manchester United are now a much more attacking threat under Solskjær. However, the Manchester United squad is riddled with injury issues and this will swing the odds in Arsenal's favour, especially as the home team. Midfield is a key battle here and, although depleted, Pogba will still offer a big threat if he is allowed to make an impact. If Arsenal can nullify Pogba as much as possible then they are likely to enjoy large spells of possession in midfield. Whether they can go on to get the win, therefore, is likely to depend on how clinical their attacking players are as chances will undoubtedly fall to them throughout the 90 minutes.

Manchester United

Manchester United are in a great position at the moment and are favourites to finish in 4th place ahead of both Arsenal and Chelsea. There is a slight possibility that 3rd place could also be up for grabs if Tottenham don't pull themselves out of their poor run of form in the Premier League. Nonetheless, this is a tricky fixture and a loss to Arsenal here would put a huge dent in Manchester United's aspirations to qualify for the Champions League next season. Injury issues are a serious worry here with Lingard, Sanchez, Martial, Mata, Matic, Herrera, Valencia, and Jones all sidelined.

Strategically, Manchester United have no option other than to try to attack Arsenal from the first whistle. Injury issues mean that the rhythm we've seen Manchester United show in recent weeks is likely to be disjointed and trying to sit back and absorb pressure from Arsenal is not ideal with a slightly leaky defence at times. Arsenal have been renowned for capitulating at times over the last few years so if Manchester United could grab an early goal, they'd be in a great position to test whether the Gunners have the mentality to come back and get something out of the game. Pogba is likely to be Manchester United's main man again in this fixture and his influence, or lack of, on the game could have a big say on the end result.

Prediction

Arsenal are favourites here with home advantage and due to the fact that Manchester United are without so many first team players. Nonetheless, Solskjær's team seem to be determined to finish the season strong and a chance to grab a place in the top 4 should be enough to give the squad players what they need to do their part. This is a game that could go either way, but I feel that the momentum is with Manchester United.

Prediction: Manchester United win

Score Prediction: Arsenal 1 - 2 Manchester United

Betting Tips

The odds for Manchester to win or draw were too tempting for me to turn down so I have taken up a small position on this market. Both teams have been sloppy in defence at times while also clinical in attack so I have also opted to place a small bet on the Over 2.5 Goals market.

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