Pundits Predict Man. United V Arsenal

Manchester United and Arsenal renew their rivalry on Saturday, live on Sky Sports 1 HD, but who are the Soccer Saturday pundits backing?

The Gunners have found no Premier League ground more difficult to conquer than Old Trafford, last winning at the stadium a decade ago, while Arsene Wenger is yet to beat Jose Mourinho in a competitive fixture.

However, the visitors arrive in superior form, unbeaten since the opening weekend of the season and in position to go top of the Premier League with a victory, while United are already eight points off the pace with just five wins from 11 games.

Here's what Charlie Nicholas, Matt Le Tissier, Paul Merson and Phil Thompson are predicting for the clash...

Charlie says: "It's one of the few games I am quite negative about for my team, Arsenal. The reason being that none of them turn up for these type of games away from home.

"There are plenty of positives. I'm expecting great things from Mesut Ozil after he didn't play in the international break, Aaron Ramsey is back in action, and Theo Walcott hasn't played too many minutes.
But they've let me down so many times in these type of games.

"The same happened last season when they needed to go there and really step up their title bid against a vulnerable United and they failed miserably.

"On current form, Arsenal should be going to win this, but I can't back them because of the history at Old Trafford. If they start slowly then a Mourinho team won't let them find their rhythm.

"Everything tells you Arsenal are stronger and better, but this is when they always let themselves down. I hope I'm wrong but I just don't see them winning.

"I think Marcus Rashford will start up front as his pace has bothered us and I'm actually leaning more towards a United win than Arsenal."

Charlie predicts: 1-1 and Rashford to score first

Merse says: "I think this will be a draw. Arsenal thought they could turn up in February and win, and ended up getting beaten 3-2.

"Wenger is moaning about Alexis Sanchez and Chile, I think he's just starting to make excuses already.

"Really, Arsenal should win this game on form, but with Mourinho's record against Wenger, I think he has a hold over him.

"People aren't really expecting United to win this, with Arsenal playing well, but I'm going for 1-1."

Merse predicts: 1-1 and Mesut Ozil to score first 

Thommo says: "It's time for Wenger to break his duck. I don't think there's a better time with Zlatan Ibrahimovic suspended and Eric Bailly injured and doubts over Wayne Rooney, Chris Smalling and Antonio Valencia, so this is the perfect chance to go to Old Trafford and win.

"I don't think the Mourinho record will impact Arsenal too much because they're full of confidence and I think they'll see it as not only a chance to break the hoodoo but to keep the run going.

"Sanchez will be desperate to keep up his run of scoring and you just hope that Wenger is willing to unleash him and isn't too cautious after the concerns of him playing for Chile."

Thommo predicts: 1-2 and Sanchez to score first

Le Tiss says: "I've edged towards Arsenal in my combined XI, with six of my picks coming from Arsene Wenger's squad, but two of the Manchester United players I've gone for are unavailable, so it's really leaning in the visitors' favour.

"However, Wenger just can't beat Mourinho. The Community Shield is effectively a friendly so I'm not counting that, so the monkey is still on his back."

Le Tiss predicts: 1-1 and Mata to score first 

Credit: Skysports.com