Man Utd vs Tottenham: Who do Arsenal need to win?

Sitting in the top four ahead of the weekend’s fixtures, by the time Arsenal take on Leicester on Sunday afternoon they will have played a full four fewer matches than Manchester United.

Remarkably, they may also still be in the top four despite the disparity in games played. With Ralf Rangnick’s side a point adrift of the Gunners at present, even a draw at Old Trafford for them on Saturday night would see them remain below Arsenal in the table.

Unless the side visiting Manchester United wins by four goals, Arsenal will still not be knocked off their fourth position perch. That team is, of course, Tottenham.

Glancing at the fixture list it is apparent that, on paper, the final run in for all the sides chasing Champions League fixtures is toughest for Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s side still have to play Spurs, Chelsea and West Ham away from home, as well as Liverpool and Manchester United at the Emirates.

Manchester United vs Tottenham: Who do Arsenal need to win at Old Trafford as they push for the Premier League top four?

When their rivals go head-to-head it becomes one of few opportunities remaining in the season to build more ground. The question is, who do Arsenal need to win? Or, more aptly, who would they prefer to win?

Naturally in these circumstances the preferred option tends to be a draw. Instead of one side dropping points, why not let it be both!?!

While it’s still all in Arsenal’s hands, Tottenham are team to be fearing most. Even just down to the simple matter of the upcoming meetings against the pair, you’d back Arsenal to turn United over at home far more than you’d back them to get a win away at a side they haven’t beaten on the road in the league since 2014.

Such is the division at United that they will effectively take care of themselves. As much as a home win over Spurs may be seen as a way to galvanise the squad and set them on course for a run of results, there are too many passengers in that team and the difference in matches played between them and Arsenal gives Arteta’s side additional breathing space.

As much as the Gunners winning all of their remaining 13 cup finals will seal the deal, it is out of the question. It won’t happen. Just three days after taking on Leicester – which absolutely slots into the must-win bracket – is Liverpool at home. Arsenal need to build as much breathing space as they can away from both of their closest rivals, and a United win does that.

While the claim is always that the team’s only focus is on themselves, nobody believes that. Of course Arteta and co are looking at Saturday night’s game and feeling similarly to the supporters. And, given it takes place before the Premier League visit of Leicester, it has the potential to be another glorious chance for Arsenal to push further ahead – one of few remaining this term.

It isn’t nice to admit that Tottenham are a worry, but they are, and a home victory suits Arsenal better. So, of course, an away win is then inevitable, right?