PREMIER LEAGUE heavyweights Arsenal and Manchester United face off in a glamour friendly match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles at 1.00am UK time on Sunday morning.
The start of the 2024/25 top-flight season is edging closer and both of these big hitters will be keen to ramp up their preparations ahead of the big kick off on August 16th.
After pushing Man City all the way last season, Arsenal will be aiming to go one better this time around in their quest for a first English crown since 2004.
Mikel Arteta’s men kicked off their three-game Stateside tour with a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth in midweek, with the capital club coming out on top 5-4 in the subsequent penalty shootout.
As for Manchester United, they have decided to keep the faith with Erik ten Hag as manager, despite the Dutchman overseeing an eighth placed finish last season, the club’s lowest ever placing in the top-flight.
However, the Red Devils did manage to salvage something from a disastrous campaign by claiming a shock 2-1 FA Cup final win over fierce rivals Manchester City in May.
How the bookies view it: Gunners too hot to handle
Arsenal are even-money favourites on Betfred to come out on top in this all Premier League friendly fixture.
Manchester United are 15/8 (Betfred) outsiders while an all square affair at SoFi Stadium can be backed at 11/4 on Betfred. Given that United’s tour squad looks stronger than that of Arsenal's, backing the Old Trafford outfit with a +1 start on the handicap stands out at 8/11 on Betfred.
Head to head: Red Devils looking to stop the rot
Arenal triumphed in both Premier League meetings between the duo last season, the most recent of which was a narrow 1-0 at Old Trafford towards the tail end of the campaign.
In fact, Mikel Arteta’s men have come out on top in four of the last five contests between the pair, including each of the last three.
Players to watch: Odegaard out to shine
Martin Odegaard has evolved into a talismanic figure at Arsenal and he will be desperate to lead his side to silverware during the forthcoming season. The Norwegian ace hit double figures for both goals and assists last season.
Amad Diallo ended the season strongly for Man United and he has since netted in a 2-0 friendly win over Rangers.
Predicted line-ups
The likes of Bukayo Saka, David Raya, Declan Rice, Aaron Ramsdale and William Saliba are not on tour with Arsenal in the states following their involvement at Euro 2024.
It’s a similar story for Man United, who will be without several of their Euro 2024 and Copa America contingent.
Arsenal: Hein; White, Timber, Kiwior, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Partey, Smith Rowe; Vieira, Nketiah, Jesus
Man United: Onana; Lindelof, Yoro, Maguire, Wan-Bissaka; Casemiro, Mount, McTominay, Amad, Rashford; Hojlund
Anything else catch the eye?
Man United got their summer tour of the United States up and running with a 2-0 win over Arsenal last year and the Red Devils could be worth backing to score twice here at 20/21 on Betfred.
United boss ten Hag has named a strong squad for his side’s US excursion and they could prove too strong for an Arsenal side that have a blend of experience and youth within their ranks.
The Gunners failed to beat Bournemouth in midweek and the Red Devils will represent an upgrade on that challenge, making 2+ United goals a tempting proposition at a shade below evens.
This International Friendly match between Arsenal and Manchester United will be played on Jul 28, 2024 and kick off at 01:00. 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.
