Mark Lawrenson is backing Arsenal to get the three points when they take on Manchester United at the Emirates this evening.

The BBC pundit says he has been impressed with the Gunners’ recent form and, combined with the addition of Martin Odegaard, he thinks Mikel Arteta’s side will have enough to come out on top:

“I am looking forward to seeing how new signing Martin Odegaard slots into the Arsenal midfield, because he is arriving at a good moment. They have been playing really well of late, ignoring their FA Cup defeat at Southampton last weekend when Mikel Arteta picked a weakened team.”

“Manchester United were poor in their defeat against Sheffield United on Wednesday, and we have seen that sort of home performance from them too often this season. Away from home they have been much better, but the Gunners beat them at Old Trafford in November and I have a feeling they will take the three points at Emirates Stadium too.”

Lawrenson has gone with a 2-1 win for Arsenal, which is a fair prediction, especially if we consider the results that the two teams had in their midweek games.

United’s shock home defeat to the Blades was no fluke. The Red Devils were very poor on the night and, while their away form is excellent, heading into today’s game off the back of such a woeful display won’t help them.

In contrast, the Gunners are looking very confident at the moment and there were many positives from the victory over Southampton on Tuesday. As Lawrenson predicts, though, it will be a tight contest decided by one goal.