MANCHESTER UNITED VS ARSENAL BETTING TIPS

The biggest match of the weekend is set to kick off as Saturday's early game with Manchester United taking on the struggling Arsenal. The Gooner's are facing an absolutely must-win game after they were completed undone last week by Rory Delap's long throws, losing 2-1 to Stoke City. Seemingly, Arsenal's problem is a lack of grit and solidity as their defence is shorter than most and are having trouble consistently dealing with teams who present an all-action style.

Will they attempt to finesse their way around United or will they attempt to match fire with fire? This is a daunting question for Arsene Wenger simply because if they lose this match, they are well behind and it isn't even Christmas. To make payments on the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal require Champions League football and a year in the European wilderness could have severe financial repercussions in this shaky economic climate.

OMINOUS UNITED

Manchester United have the opposite problem. After United's lackadaisical start to the season, they have stormed out of the gate and smashed their way up to 3^rd place in the Premier League. Dimitar Berbatov appears to be hitting his form, as Wayne Rooney's goal streak helped drive United (and England's) results in the earlier portion of the season. Another ominous statistic: Cristiano Ronaldo has already scored more goals at this point in the season than he scored at this point in the previous season.

MISFIRING GUNNERS

This match represents a real last gasp for Arsenal and they will be expecting to make their home turf count for something by likely attempting to notch an early goal. A recently announced injury to Emmanuel Adebayor will limit Arsenal's options up front, especially as Nicklas Bendtner has not shown consistency and Robin Van Persie is not in his best form at the moment.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Back Dimitar Berbatov to Score: 13/8 @ totesport

Back Man U to win 2-1: 8/1 @ totesport