Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson is expecting a stalemate when Manchester United play Arsenal at Old Trafford this evening.

The ex-Gunners midfielder says that the Red Devils are vulnerable at the back and he believes that will cost them the three points against his former club:

“United haven’t become a good team overnight. Carrick will take a chance against Arsenal – I’d be shocked if Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo don’t start. They aren’t very good defensively, however, and can’t afford to be too open against Arsenal. I reckon both teams would be pretty happy with a draw this week.”

Merson has gone with a 1-1 draw, which seems like a pretty sensible prediction if we take into account the form of the two teams heading into the match tonight.

Arsenal may have lost 4-0 to Liverpool in their last away game but that was their only loss in 12 matches since the 5-0 defeat to Manchester City back in August.

In contrast, United had to hang on for a draw against Chelsea last time out, and they are still not playing with a great deal of confidence, following some poor recent results. It will be a tightly contested affair, with the outcome likely to hinge on a moment of quality.