Charlie Nicholas has backed his former club Arsenal to come out on top in a five-goal thriller against Arsenal in the Premier League showdown on New Year’s Day.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Red Devils travel to the Emirates on Wednesday evening in decent form, having climbed to fifth in the table after a shocking run at the start of the season.
While Manchester United will hope to make up yet more ground on the top-four, Arsenal first need to break back into the top-half, having slipped to 12th after Sunday’s defeat to Chelsea.
The clash against United will be Arteta’s third match in charge of Arsenal. The former Manchester City assistant boss is still searching for his first win since returning to the Gunners.
Nicholas insists Arteta can end his wait for a victory against Manchester United and says struggling summer signing Nicholas Pepe may have a major influence in the fixture.
‘I cannot give up on them, but Arsenal can’t buy a win at the moment, although it does seem more promising,’ he told Sky Sports.
‘There is more fight in there, no confidence, but there is a shape and a tendency to go and try to squeeze the ball.
‘Chelsea are good at keeping it, but they have not quite got the balance of attack right.
‘Mesut Ozil is playing better, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is still scoring goals and Bukayo Saka has been class at left-back despite being an attacker.
‘You cannot plan for the Bernd Leno howler, but the defence was better but still vulnerable, as were the midfield protectors.
‘Man Utd are getting good results, while the counter-attack is so dangerous at the Emirates. I am going to stick with Arsenal, as they can get at the full-backs and defence.
‘It seems more pleasant to watch but the table looks awful for Arsenal. They need a win and it is not about closing the gap to the top four as that is fantasy for them this year.
‘Mikel Arteta started with a draw and a harsh defeat so it is time for them to get a win. Man Utd will be very dangerous on the counter-attack, but Reiss Nelson has been decent, and Arteta could give Nicolas Pepe a start.
‘He may just be ready to come and do something. Arsenal 3-2 Manchester United.’
In the reverse fixture at Old Trafford in September, Aubameyang cancelled out Scott McTominay’s opener as Arsenal drew 1-1 with Manchester United under Unai Emery.
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