S.P.Read Esq: Arsenal v Man U

Our daily columnist and pundit S.P. Read Esq. looks ahead to the FA Cup game on Monday (7.45pm, LIVE BBC1) between ARSENAL v MAN U and finds the best opportunities available on Star Spreads, the home of sports spread betting.

It’s without doubt the match of the FA Cup Quarter Finals tonight when Man U take on Arsenal at Old Trafford for a place in the semi-finals.

I spoke to an ardent Arsenal fan this morning who said he hadn’t recovered from the 8-1 drubbing in the Premier League at the hands of Man U back in 2011. Clearly he hadn’t, as it finished 8-2 – mind you what’s a goal or three when you are THAT far back ?

More recently, the relative league positions point to near equality between the two sides this season, Arsenal edging it by a single point but there can be little doubt that when it comes to bogey teams for Arsenal that Man U are right up there. The Gunners have now only won one of their last 15 matches against their old adversaries.

Man U will be without Robin van Persie because of an ankle injury whilst Jonny Evans also misses out after his six match ban for spitting at Newcastle’s Papiss Cisse.

For Arsenal, defender Gabriel Paulista is out with a hamstring problem but there could be returns for goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and defender Nacho Monreal after recent injuries.

Both sides are synonymous with FA Cup success winning a joint highest 11 titles each.

Despite the title being in sight again, Man U boss Louis van Gaal has his target very much set on a top four finish league finish. He said: “To finish in the first four is a fantastic result and for us at Manchester United even more I think. If you win the FA Cup you are not in the Champions League but you have won a title.”

Arsenal’s counterpart Arsene Wenger said: “For years it was always the game of the season that decided the Premier League, at this moment it is not the case, but it is still a big game. They are still a strong side. You go there and I don’t expect any weakness from Man U.”

Man U v Arsenal
FA Cup Quarter Final
7.45pm LIVE ON BBC1

HEAD TO HEAD
(Maximum 10 matches)
Nov 2014 Premier Arsenal 1-2 Man Utd
Feb 2014 Premier Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
Nov 2013 Premier Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
Apr 2013 Premier Arsenal 1-1 Man Utd
Nov 2012 Premier Man Utd 2-1 Arsenal
Jan 2012 Premier Arsenal 1-2 Man Utd
Aug 2011 Premier Man Utd 8-2 Arsenal
May 2011 Premier Arsenal 1-0 Man Utd
Mar 2011 FA Cup Man Utd 2-0 Arsenal
Dec 2010 Premier Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal

The Liverpool game was a disaster yesterday so am looking to repair the damage a little tonight. I expect there to be goals and again I’m tempted by the Star Spreads time of 3rd goal market as a seller.

CLICK FOR ARSENAL v MAN U MARKETS ON STAR SPREADS

RECOMMENDED BETS (scale 1-100 points)

SELL TIME OF THIRD MATCH GOAL FOR 30 points at around 76 minutes with Star Spreads

(MARCH RETURN: +550 points)

• Any spread prices quoted are indicative and as always prices are subject to fluctuation.
• Please note the opinion, views and forecasts above are of the author and not of Star Spreads.