Silvestre previews Manchester United vs Arsenal

Here at bettingexpert, Devang Prasad sat down with former Manchester United and Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre. The pair discussed what could be one of the biggest and the most defining Premier League games of the season when Manchester United take on Arsenal at Old Trafford this weekend. 

Silvestre urges United to focus ahead of Arsenal clash

This Sunday, Premier League powerhouses Manchester United and Arsenal will clash in a potentially title-deciding fixture, depending on other results throughout the weekend. United will be looking to recover from a 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Monday night. Meanwhile, Arsenal arrives at Old Trafford riding a wave of momentum from four consecutive victories in their pursuit of the Premier League title. 

“United is fighting for a European spot so it’s important for them to win, especially at home.”

“I don’t think they really care about the title race as they’re not in it. I think they’ve got to focus on themselves and try to upset Arsenal’s run. Right now Arsenal are doing really well.”

You could argue that United finds themselves in a compromised situation: they are in pursuit of European football but also play a role in one of their biggest rivals potentially winning the Premier League. Silvestre urges United to focus on their performance on the day but expresses concern that injuries could play a defining role in the outcome of the game.

“For United, concentrate on your job, the task of the day, stop Arsenal’s threat and try to win. I think they’ll go with that mentality.”

“In terms of possession, Arsenal will probably be dominating and they’ll probably be dominating most areas of the pitch, especially in midfield and offence.”

“But you know United have some players that can upset the plan and create chances and score goals. Let’s see who’s fit.”

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Arsenal must win at Old Trafford

Arsenal have historically struggled at Old Trafford, making their upcoming visit one of the most anticipated fixtures in Premier League history. As title-chasing Arsenal face Manchester United, the world will be watching closely. Notably, Arsenal have not secured a victory against United in Manchester with fans present since September 2006.

“It’s one of the big fixtures of the season and Old Trafford is not an easy place to go for Arsenal.”

“Lower teams have been taking at Old Trafford so it’s not an impossible mission for Arsenal for sure and they should be optimistic to go and get the result.”

“It’s a big task and they need to win it so that the title is decided on the last game day.”

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Midfield battle will decide the United-Arsenal result

One of United’s standout players in what has been a challenging season is Argentinian winger Alejandro Garnacho. In his first full season as a member of the first-team squad, Garnacho has made 46 appearances, scoring nine goals and recording five assists. He will face off against Ben White, who has enjoyed a stellar season at right back. Silvestre highlights the numerous battles across the pitch, particularly emphasising the midfield clash, which he believes will decide the outcome of the game.

“It’s going to be a good battle between Garnacho and Ben White. Both players have had a strong season and are full of confidence. It will be a game within the game and it will be electric for sure.”

“In midfield, you have Rice vs Fernandes. I don’t know if Eriksen will play or McTominay is back but them against Ødegaard, Rice, Partey or Jorginho it is a key battle. Because in most of the games, you control the midfield, you control the game.”

“The way they move, the way they carry the ball, link up play and retain possession will be important.”

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Arsenal have made progress whether they pip City to the league

Arsenal challenged Manchester City fiercely in last season’s Premier League title race and have stepped up their performance even more this season. As we enter the critical final phase of the title race, Silvestre urges the footballing world to acknowledge the hurdles Arsenal faces. Should they stumble again, it’s important to appreciate the quality of their rival, Manchester City, and the strides made under manager Mikel Arteta.

“You have to look at the competition as well. You can’t just look at Arsenal and if they fail to win anything. You have Manchester City and Liverpool in the race.” 

“You had a tough opponent in the Champions League. Reaching the quarter-final was good. It was a close game against Bayern Munich.”

“It is not going to be a failure if Arsenal don’t win the league.”

“It’ll be painful, it is painful but you have to look at the big picture, the opponents and also the progress of the team. Did the team progress, yes! Is it good enough to win the league, we will see. Who knows what will happen!”

Silvestre claims that whatever happens come the end of the season, Arsenal will be here to stay due to the infrastructure that the club have built with Arteta at the helm. 

“It’s a young team, a young manager, so you can expect them to continue. I think financially they are also capable of getting the team stronger.”

“If you look at the squad, the environment, the back office, the people behind the scenes, starting with the manager, the sporting director, there’s no doubt that they will be there next season in the mix for the title and compete for it again.”

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