MIKEL ARTETA is still searching for his first win as Arsenal boss and may have to wait a bit longer when Manchester United come calling.
It looked like the new Gunners boss would claim a derby win over Chelsea on his Emirates bow when Arsenal led 1-0 on Sunday.
But late goals from Jorginho and Tammy Abraham underlined just how big a rebuilding job the Spaniard faces at a club where the problems run deep.
Arsenal have now won just once in their last 15 games, a horror run that has left them just six points off the relegation places.
When they last faced United back in September it was the Gunners who were riding high, with Old Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer under far more pressure than Unai Emery.
But while the Gunners have been freefalling, with Emery paying the ultimate price, Solskjaer has turned the corner and United head into this game just four points off a Champions League place.
How the bookies view it
Despite the stark contrast in form between these sides, the bookies can't really separate them. United are a best 8/5 with Sportingbet while Arsenal are 7/4 with Unibet and the draw 11/4 with Betway.
I backed an away win when these sides last faced off at Old Trafford because of the home side's struggles at the time only for the game to end 1-1.
It's exactly the same scenario heading into this one. The form book suggests backing a United win is the way to go but I'll learn from experience and go for a stalemate this time.
Doubling the draw with both teams to score boosts the odds to 17/5 with BetVictor and that looks a good option.
Recent head to head
It was honours even at Old Trafford in September and there was nothing to separate the clubs last season either. They played each other three times and it ended in a victory apiece plus a 2-2 draw.
Both those wins came at the Emirates, with United triumphing 3-1 in the FA Cup before the Gunners got their revenge with a 2-0 Premier League win (below).
Players to watch
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has netted in his last three games against Manchester United and also grabbed Arsenal's goal in that weekend defeat to Chelsea.
The former Dortmund striker is a best 5/4 with Unibet for another goal here and is the only Gunners star you can back with any degree of confidence.
Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial have been on fire for Manchester United and both netted in the win over Burnley on Sunday.
I flagged up the Frenchman as United's best hope for a goal at Turf Moor and he delivered but I'll switch to Rashford here.
The England star (above) netted twice against the Gunners on his Premier League debut in 2016 but hasn't managed to find the net against them since. This could be the day to end that drought and he's 29/20 with Unibet in the anytime scorer market.
Anything else catch the eye?
William Hill are offering 21/20 on United having over one corner in each half and that looks decent value given their threat down the flanks.
Ladbrokes also have an intriguing bet on Martial being offside one or more time and having one or more shots on target. It's priced at 15/8 and that could be a smart bet.
This English Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United will be played on Jan 1, 2020 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Arsenal vs Manchester United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
