Today's Football Double: Arsenal vs Manchester United + Atletico Madrid vs Osasuna
Arsenal vs Manchester United - FA Cup Match Time: January 12, 2025, 23:00
Arsenal has maintained a stable competitive state this season and is currently ranked second in the Premier League. In terms of recent form, Arsenal lost 0-2 to Newcastle in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final, failing to gain an advantage; after the defeat, Arsenal's unbeaten record of 17 consecutive home games was ended, which was their first home defeat since losing 0-2 to Villa on April 14 last year. It should be noted that Arsenal has only managed one high-scoring result in their last six home games, indicating a relatively conservative approach at home. Looking at the head-to-head record, Arsenal has won six out of the last eight encounters with a win rate of 75%, giving them a significant psychological advantage.
Manchester United's overall performance this season has been relatively poor, with a record of 6 wins, 5 draws, and 9 losses, placing them 13th in the Premier League, now considered a mid-to-lower table team. In terms of recent form, Manchester United drew 2-2 with Liverpool in the "Double Red" match, temporarily halting their four-game losing streak in all competitions, but there is still room for improvement in their ability to win. Defensively, Manchester United has conceded 13 goals in their last five games, with a defense as fragile as paper, lacking any defensive action. However, it should be noted that Manchester United has scored nine goals in their last five away games, demonstrating their attacking prowess on the road.
Comprehensive Analysis:
Arsenal lost 0-2 to Newcastle in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final, failing to gain an advantage, and their unbeaten record of 13 consecutive home games was also broken. In this match, they will face another "traffic team," Manchester United, who drew 2-2 with Liverpool in their last game, temporarily halting their four-game losing streak in all competitions, but still lacking in their ability to win. The main striker Rashford is embroiled in transfer rumors, causing instability in the dressing room. Manchester United has lost six out of the last eight encounters against Arsenal, putting them at a psychological disadvantage, and their recent away form has not been impressive. Overall, this match favors Arsenal winning within regular time and advancing.
Prediction: Win Score: 2:0, 2:1 Half-time: Draw-Win, Win-Win
Atletico Madrid vs Osasuna - La Liga Match Time: January 12, 2025, 23:15
La Liga powerhouse Atletico Madrid has performed outstandingly this season after increasing their recruitment efforts. They are currently second in the La Liga standings with a record of 12 wins, 5 draws, and 1 loss, just two points behind leaders Real Madrid with a game in hand, making them one of the strong contenders for the La Liga title. In terms of recent form, Atletico Madrid started the New Year with a 1-0 victory over Mabina, achieving a 13-game winning streak across all competitions, equalling their longest winning streak in club history. In terms of attack and defense, Atletico Madrid has a goal difference of 11:5 in their last five games, showing a decent performance on both ends recently. In home matches, Atletico Madrid has an unbeaten record of seven wins and two draws in the league this season, making their home form very reliable. In their last league home game, Atletico Madrid defeated Getafe 1-0. Looking at the current La Liga standings, Real Madrid leads Atletico Madrid by two points with an extra game played, so Atletico Madrid will be highly motivated to win this match to overtake their rivals.
Osasuna's overall performance this season has been average, with a record of 6 wins, 7 draws, and 5 losses in 18 league games, placing them 11th in the La Liga standings, five points behind the European competition zone with a game in hand. In terms of recent form, Osasuna also celebrated a victory in their first match of the New Year, defeating Tenerife 2-1 in the Spanish Cup to advance. However, in the league, Osasuna's form has been mediocre, failing to win in six consecutive league matches after losing 1-2 to Athletic Bilbao in their last league game. In terms of attack and defense, Osasuna has finished two consecutive games with a 1-2 scoreline (home team first), showing a strong ability to score and concede goals recently. It is worth noting that each team won once in the two league encounters last season, with the away team being victorious on both occasions.
Comprehensive Analysis:
After winning the Spanish Cup, Atletico Madrid has achieved a remarkable 13-game winning streak across all competitions, and they are in excellent form. This match is also their first league home game of the New Year, with the sole goal of securing three points. Osasuna's recent form in the league, with draws and losses, is not satisfactory. Although they defeated Atletico Madrid 4-0 at home last season, given their current form, this match leans more towards Atletico Madrid winning at home.
Prediction: Win Score: 2:0, 3:1 Half-time: Win-Win, Draw-Win