Arsenal must bounce back quickly from Rennes defeat

Unai Emery
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

The game is a massive one, as the race for the top-four spots intensifies.

The two teams could not be going into this clash in more contrasting circumstances. Manchester United will be high on confidence after a 3-1 away win at PSG in the Champions League, while Arsenal will be low after a poor 3-1 defeat at Rennes in the Europa League.

Home and away

Arsenal’s recent league form has improved of late and on home soil, the Gunners are a formidable opponent. The Gunners have now won their last six home games at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League.

On the other hand, Manchester United have also won their last six away games in the top-flight, which is all their away matches in the top-flight under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Red Devils also recorded a 3-1 win at the Emirates Stadium in the FA Cup back in January.

In short, one of those records has to give. This clash is so hard to predict because of the two teams recent respective records.

Arsenal must bounce back quickly from Rennes defeat

Arsenal have to bounce back quickly from defeat last time out. An away defeat in France was not really a surprise considering their poor recent away form. However, the Gunners are a different team on home soil, so should produce a far better display on Sunday.

The team from north London will need to step it up, as United are on fire under interim boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. A United win would move the men from Manchester four points clear of the Gunners, so Unai Emery’s side cannot afford a defeat.

This should be a fascinating encounter between two very good teams, who should head into this clash in high spirits for various reasons. However, it remains to be seen the effect that Thursday night’s defeat will have on the home side. If they fail to turn up, then it hard to see the Gunners getting anything out of Sunday’s game.

Can Arsenal produce a good enough display to see-off in-form United?