These are worrying times for Arsenal.

Even people who don’t normally give two Flaminis about the club are getting annoyed and frustrated at the repeated failings of the team.

They are like your favourite CD that starts to skip and malfunction every time it gets near that killer key change. (One for the pre-digital age folk there).

Anyway, for all Arsenal’s attacking artistry, the laissez-faire attitude to keeping the ball out of their own net, plus a seeming unwillingness to strengthen key areas, means for every 5-2 away win there is a baffling home surrender.

Arsenal’s game plan appears as non-existent as Louis van Gaal’s chin.

However, what the Dutchman lacks in physical definition he makes up for with his no-nonsense clarity, structure and discipline.

It’s not to everyone’s taste but his team are developing an overall cohesiveness lacking in their North London rivals.

In a week in which Wayne Rooney revealed a love of writing poetry, there is an increasingly impressive cadence about United’s play.

Admittedly, the striker looks more Mills & Boon than Blake right now, but there’s no doubt United look a better bet for a title bid.

11am kick-off unless stated

Tomorrow’s games

Crystal Palace v West Brom

8.45am

Tony Pulis’s West Bromwich Albion have kept a clean sheet in five of their past seven away matches, while Palace have not won at home in the league since August.

It all points to a close encounter, with a low-scoring draw on the cards.

Prediction: 1-1

Aston Villa v Stoke City

Villa have struggled badly recently and have lost five of their past six games. Jack Grealish — who has now switched loyalty to England — is a bright spark but there are too many dim lights around him.

Stoke won their first of the season at home to Bournemouth and, with renewed confidence, can claim another three points here.

Prediction: 1-2

Bournemouth v Watford

Another week, another serious knee injury to a key Bournemouth player. Eddie Howe’s side can’t catch a break right now and they will miss Callum Wilson.

Prediction: 1-1

Man City v Newcastle United

Injuries to the likes of Vincent Kompany and Yaya Touré have disrupted City more than perhaps they should given the club’s open chequebook and squad strength.

Sergio Agüero still looks short of his best but Newcastle’s defence, while game, should offer him opportunities. Steve McClaren’s side were excellent against Chelsea — the question is whether they can produce that on a consistent basis?

Prediction: 3-1

Norwich City v Leicester City

Despite excellent-looking stats from the season so far, Leicester have been leaking goals, which is fine until Jamie Vardy stops scoring.

Keep him out of casinos and his rich form should continue! Norwich were unlucky at West Ham and are quietly racking up an impressive early points tally.

Prediction: 3-2

Sunderland v West Ham

Ten matches without a victory for Sunderland, who look like they would struggle to win in the Sky Bet Championship right now.

West Ham have been excellent on the road and the likes of Dimitri Payet should be licking his chops at the space he is likely to be afforded in and around the Sunderland penalty area.

Prediction: 1-3

Chelsea v Southampton

1.30pm

So apparently calling your team doctor the “daughter of a whore” is not worthy of FA punishment in a decision as questionable as the mood inside Stamford Bridge right now.

We all expect Chelsea’s form to turn around, but Southampton have looked more organised in recent games and in Ronald Koeman, have a manager who will not be overawed by a playing at Stamford Bridge.

Prediction: 2-1

Sunday’s games

Everton v Liverpool

9.30am

The Merseyside derby is always a fraught affair and Everton come into the game in excellent form with some of their key players, like Ross Barkley and Roman Lukaku, looking sharp.

Liverpool are a mess at the back but are a different prospect with Daniel Sturridge fit and returning to form.

Prediction: 2-2

Arsenal v Man United

12pm

Anthony Martial, now we have all had a chance to actually watch him, looks a top player. He also looks a bit of a man-child and ice-cool in front of goal.

Millions and millions well spent? It looks like it might be. United’s more clinical approach gives them the edge here. Can Arsenal rise to the occasion?

Prediction: 1-2

Swansea v Tottenham

12pm

Who saw Tottenham’s win against Manchester City coming? Erik Lamela suddenly looks a player worth half his fee (that’s a compliment, by the way) and Dele Alli looks a bundle of energy in the middle of the park.

Hard to see Swansea stopping an away win.

Prediction: 0-2