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Premier League: Man United, Arsenal Try to Replicate European Success in Domestic Play

Manchester United has jumped out to a hot start in Champions League play, and Arsenal has booked two wins in the second-tier Europa League. But both clubs are struggling in domestic play, and will be looking to pick up points in their Premier League matchup on Sunday.

Manchester United hosts Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday, with both clubs looking for much-needed points in the Premier League. (Image: Getty)

United will host the early season encounter between the two traditional English powerhouses, and comes into the match as the favorite.

Arsenal, United Ready to Rebound from Slow Starts

Arsenal has started the EPL season with three wins and three losses, landing the club at 11th on the table in the early going. That’s disappointing, but still better than Man United, which earned just seven points in its first five matches.


Premier League Odds (via DraftKings Sportsbook)
Sheffield United: +850 Draw: +480 Manchester City: -335
Burnley: +500 Draw: +330 Chelsea: -182
Liverpool: -275 Draw: +430 West Ham: +650
Aston Villa: +148 Draw: +260 Southampton: +175
Newcastle United: +255 Draw: +245 Everton: +110
Manchester United: +104 Draw: +270 Arsenal: +250
Tottenham: -162 Draw: +310 Brighton: +440
Fulham: +145 Draw: +230 West Bromwich: +195
Leeds United: +155 Draw: +260 Leicester City: +165

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says his team can get more out of its Premier League matches if it makes a commitment to play more aggressively on the ball outside of his general structure and system.

“That structure is just to limit our opponents to certain things when we lose the ball. The other structure can flow,” Arteta told reporters. “They need to want to put the ball in the box more often because this is what top teams do. If the other team wants to defend the box, make sure they’re defending the box all the time, and that we’re being very aggressive in the final third.”

Solskjaer Advocates for Five-Sub Rule

Manchester United is coming off a dominant 5-0 win over RB Leipzig in Champions League play this week. Midfielder Paul Pogba played a particularly outstanding match, notching an assist while working as a centerpiece of United’s offense.

“Paul can do everything on the pitch, more or less. He can play long passes, arrive in the box, play combinations outside the box,” United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told reporters. “He played really well, I have to say. We love to see him driving forward affecting the game. It’s about getting fitness and sharpness back for Paul, then the more he can do.”

Solskjaer also took time to advocate for the return of the optional five substitute rule. The EPL rejected maintaining the expanded substitutions into the 2020-21 season, while many other European leagues have maintained the more flexible regulations.

“I don’t understand and can’t believe clubs voted against it,” Solskjaer told reporters. “We’ve already seen loads of injuries. I know Pep [Guardiola] has been talking about it. We, as clubs and managers, have to look after them.”

DraftKings Sportsbooks lists United as a +104 pick to win at Old Trafford, while Arsenal comes in as a +250 underdog.

Also over the weekend, current Premier League leaders Everton (+110) visits Newcastle United (+255), while West Ham (+650) tries to upset Liverpool (-275) at Anfield.