Mikael Silvestre’s combined XI of Arsenal and Manchester United players has given Erik ten Hag’s side the advantage.
On Sunday, Arsenal will host Manchester United in the Premier League at the Emirates. Both teams are in excellent form, with the Londoners leading the table by eight points after 18 games.
United have enjoyed a resurgence in recent months and they beat rivals Manchester City 2-1 last weekend. They play Crystal Palace on Wednesday night before traveling to Arsenal.
If Ten Hag’s side wins both games, they will undoubtedly be in the title race, which was unthinkable after their early-season defeats to Brentford and Brighton.
The Dutchman is doing an excellent job. They may not mount a sustained title challenge this season, but you have to believe they will in 2023/24. Arsenal, on the other hand, has been a surprise package this season, emerging as a serious title contender alongside Manchester City.
Despite their strong league position, Silvestre has chosen a 6-5 split in favor of Manchester United with his combined XI. His team consists of the individuals listed below.
Diogo Dalot, William Saliba, Raphael Varane, Oleksandr Zinchenko; Martin Odegaard, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen; Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Gabriel Martinelli. Silvestre went on to suggest that United playing away is “almost like playing against Man City at home”.
“You know what, I think United playing away is almost like playing at home against City,” Silvestre told the betting expert.
“Because we expect Arsenal to have more possession but United’s transition play and going forward is good. “So, you always have a stronger feeling when you’re playing at home with your own supporters cheering for you, which is good for Arsenal, but United can manoeuvre and get the result away from home.”
“I believe the two midfielders are on par. “Perhaps, if you compare Xhaka, Partey, and Odegaard to Eriksen, Fernandes, and Casemiro,” Silvestre added.
“I’d rather have Manchester United’s midfield than Arsenal’s because of their age, experience, and career accomplishments.”
“But it’s a great battle because Partey, Xhaka, and Ødegaard are in the form of their lives.
“If we have those six playing in midfield, it will be a fantastic opposition.
“There’s danger everywhere but in most of the games when you control the midfield, when I say control it’s not necessarily on the ball but it’s also defensively and also controlling in transition, you have a good chance of winning.
