Gary Neville thinks first goal will be crucial when Arsenal meet Manchester United

Gary Neville thinks an early Manchester United goal could create a "difficult atmosphere" for Arsenal on Super Sunday.

The two Premier League heavyweights are set to clash in a game that will play a huge part in the race for a top-four finish.

Both clubs find themselves out of the top four but a win for United could take them above rivals Manchester City in fourth and all-but end Arsenal's hopes of Champions League qualification. However, victory for Arsene Wenger's men, who have a game in hand on United, would take them to within two points of Jose Mourinho's side.

Arsenal go into the game on the back of a 2-0 defeat to rivals Tottenham while United are unbeaten in 25 Premier League matches, although there has been criticism of Mourinho's defensive approach as 12 of those games have been drawn.

Neville believes confidence in both camps could be shaky if they fall behind early.

Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast, he said: "It's a game where the result is difficult to call.

"If United were to score first it would be a very difficult atmosphere. I was there against Manchester City and the atmosphere was strange. It's weird down there at the moment. If United were to go in front it would be a very uncomfortable afternoon for Arsene Wenger and his players.

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"It's also the sort of game where if Arsenal score first with United in town, then it could lift everybody.

"There is a lot on this game - United have got a lot of games coming up and there isn't a respite for them. Arsenal have got to be favourites but - psychologically - you just don't know where they are at."

Manchester United are currently juggling European commitments with the backdrop of big injury problems and after their 1-1 draw with Swansea boss Mourinho pointed to fixture congestion as an issue for his team.

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Neville agrees that the mix of injuries and a busy schedule are taking their toll on United's squad.

"At the moment, injuries are a big problem and the team is looking more tired by the day," he said.

"I watched the game on a screen at Goodison Park and thought Swansea deserved a point. You need to be more ruthless and clinical against the weaker terms. It comes down to having more quality in the final third."