Petr Cech firmly believes the outcome of Saturday’s clash between Manchester United and Arsenal will have a lasting impact on the rest of the season. The long-time rivals renew adversaries at Old Trafford in what will be Jose Mourinho’s first meeting with Arsene Wenger as United manager.
The Portuguese has never lost in 13 league and cup clashes against Wenger’s Arsenal and Man United are 31/20 to win the latest showdown.
Arsenal goalkeeper Cech insists the greater pressure is on the home side to win the game, given the league positions of both clubs going into the weekend.
I think it could be a really significant win for us and a really significant loss for them.
Petr Cech
Arsenal, 13/2 to be champions for the first time since 2004, are in fourth place just two points behind leaders Liverpool.
Man United find themselves already eight points adrift of Jurgen Klopp’s Reds as they sit in sixth place after winning just five of their first 11 league games under Mourinho.
According to Cech, who served under Mourinho at Chelsea, the pressures rests squarely on the Red Devils.
“With United, they are behind us, so to leave them [further] behind is one aim and the second thing is to stay near the top, within touching distance of everyone else,” Cech said.
“If United want to think about closing the gap and having a chance to fight for the title, they need the three points.”
Arsenal are 2/1 to win at Old Trafford, something they haven’t managed in the league since 2006. Cech feels it would be ‘significant’ if the Gunners could return to north London with maximum points.
“It is a big game for both teams and they will try to give themselves a chance, and we have to be ready to adapt to their way of playing. As the match goes, you want to impose your game and control what is happening,” he added.
“It is always a big game, regardless of the positions of both teams in the table but this time I think it could be a really significant win for us and a really significant loss for them.”
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Source: Bet365