'The real acid test': Chris Sutton predicts the final score between Arsenal and Manchester United tonight
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Arsenal and Manchester United are preparing for a huge Premier League fixture at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
For years, Arsenal v Manchester United was by far the biggest fixture in the English calendar, with some epic battles between Arsene Wenger’s charges and Sir Alex Ferguson’s troops.
Although the rivalry hasn’t been quite as intense in recent years, things may well be changing.
The Gunners are Premier League title contenders once again, while the Red Devils have been bright under Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ruben Amorim.
Indeed, Mikel Arteta hasn’t ruled out Man United potentially challenging for the Premier League title.
Arsenal will be eager to triumph at home and close the gap on Liverpool, while Man United will hope to get themselves into title contention.
Chris Sutton has now predicted how he feels the Gunners and the Red Devils will fare in North London.
READ MORE: Arsenal predicted XI v Manchester United as Gabriel decision made and £26m man drops out
Chris Sutton backs Arsenal to run out 3-1 winners over Manchester United
Sutton, writing on BBC Sport, reckons Arsenal will be too strong for the Red Devils on the day, backing them to run out 3-1 winners.
“I can understand the excitement about Ruben Amorim from Manchester United fans because he is a hugely charismatic guy who comes across so well in interviews,” wrote Sutton.
“I am pleased for him that he has got off to a decent start, because he is unbeaten after his first three games, but this is the real acid test that will demonstrate where United are at.
“We have seen some classic games between these teams down the years, but Arsenal are a long way ahead of United, especially now Odegaard is back – he has taken them to the levels we were expecting from them all season.
“It would be a real eye-opener if United go to Emirates Stadium and get something, but I can’t see it.
“Arsenal have scored a lot of goals in the past week and that should continue here. They will win, and win well.”
Meanwhile, Paul Merson has backed Arsenal to run out 3-0 winners over Man United.
Arsenal v Man United team news
Arsenal were without Mikel Merino, Thomas Partey and Myles Lewis-Skelly for Saturday's win at West Ham, so they could be doubts against Man United.
Meanwhile, defender Gabriel Magalhaes was forced off at half-time in the 5-2 victory at the London Stadium.
Mikel Arteta was tight-lipped on the subject of team news at his pre-match presser, saying he’d assess the doubtful players ahead of the game.
As for Man United, Amorim suggested Leny Yoro could return to the squad after recovering from injury, and Bruno Fernandes is fit to play.
However, Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo are suspended as a result of accumulating five bookings for the season.
