The exhausting schedule of the English Premier League continues to add pressure, as we approach the matchweek 21 of the competition. At the Indian shores, the Indian Super League keeps up with the journey with another round of exciting fixtures.
As has been the case this season, the unpredictability of both the leagues will make it hard for the punters, but the following statistics might help you in one way or the other.
Arsenal vs Manchester United
Arsenal taking on Manchester United always produces firepower. After a rather blip in form, the Gunners enter the game on the back of a six-match unbeaten run in the league. They have won five and have drawn one. Manchester United, on the other hand, saw their 13-match unbeaten league run come to an end when they lost 2-1 to Sheffield United on Wednesday.
One can rightly expect goals in the match given the fact that their last 0-0 draw dates back to February 12, 2014. Furthermore, the Red Devils haven’t defeated Arsenal since April 2018 in the league. Since then, they have lost three and have drawn twice. Given their current form both the team are in, you can punt on a draw, to say the least.
Player to watch: Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes might have dismissed all the talks of fatigue and tiredness, but the fact remains that he has failed to score or assist in each of his last four Premier League appearances. But well, that’s the standard he has set for himself.
Bruno Fernandes has now failed to score or assist in each of his last four Premier League appearances.
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 27, 2021
✘ vs Burnley
✘ vs Liverpool
✘ vs Fulham
✘ vs Sheffield United
At least someone else will win Player of the Month. 😅 pic.twitter.com/rL3jxOM1Kh
When Manchester United take on Arsenal at the Emirates, all eyes will be on the attacking midfielder, whose last league goal came on January 1 against Aston Villa. Arsenal have kept four clean sheets in their last five league outings, and if United are to breach their defence, one can rightly expect Fernandes to be a part of the attack.
ATK Mohun Bagan vs Kerala Blasters
Roy Krishna’s 67th-minute goal turned out to be the difference the last time ATK Mohun Bagan locked horns with Kerala Blasters. A lot has changed since. While ATKMB are in the hunt for the ISL title, Kerala Blasters are battling for survival as they sit 9th in the ISL points table. A dip in form for ATKMB has seen them losing twice in their last five outings and that has allowed Mumbai City FC to stretch their lead to six points at the top of the table.
As far as Kerala Blasters are concerned, they are unbeaten in their last five matches, having won twice, including that shocking 2-1 win over Bengaluru FC, and drawing three. One can expect Kerala Blasters to score at least once as they have found the net in four of their last five ISL games. ATKMB, on the other hand, boasts of a similar statistic.
Player to watch: Roy Krishna
ATKMB’s Roy Krishna has duly struggled for goals in recent times, but that has rather been down to a collective failure rather than his own fault. Be it as it may, Roy Krishna still remains one of ATKMB’s key assets and will be under the spotlight on Sunday at the Fatorda Stadium. Expect Krishna to exploit the Kerala defence that has kept just one clean sheet in their last seven outings.
Wondering what to do next? Head to Sportsbet.io to select your picks.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Phil Noble
