After squeezing past Norwich, the Manchester United travel to the Emirates on Saturday afternoon, coming off a 4-0 thrashing at Liverpool. Arsenal, on the other hand, upset Chelsea 4-2 at Stamford Bridge, ending a harrowing run of three losses to Crystal Palace, Brighton, and Southampton that appeared to have ruined their season.
And it's because of both sides' unreliability that they're chasing Tottenham for the final Champions League slot.
The hosts have a far greater chance of catching Antonio Conte's team.
After all, they are level on points with Spurs and are eight goals behind Harry Kane and his teammates with six games remaining, including a North London derby.
United, on the other hand, are three points behind Arsenal, six goals behind them, and have already played an additional game. Saturday will be a chance to show that their grovelling apologies following the terrible Anfield thrashing were more than just words.
What better reason could they have than to make a good first impression on the new boss? Erik ten Hag's confirmation this week could give this underperforming group the impetus they need to rethink their strategies and present a glimpse of the fight that will be on display across town at Wembley Stadium later this month when Tyson Fury takes on Dillian Whyte.
United fans, on the other hand, should not hold their breath based on the evidence so far this season and in recent years.
The Gunners play first, with Tottenham facing Brentford in the late kick-off, in a reversal of last weekend's failure to capitalize on Spurs' slip against Brighton.
Conte's team is well aware that they may be under the pressure of being three points behind Arsenal by 5.30pm... even a draw would put them in fifth place - don't underestimate the psychological impact.
What can we expect at the Emirates, on the other hand?
Arsenal - and in particular Eddie Nketiah - will be full of confidence, but with less recovery time, they may be a little less sharp.
They had won one and lost six of their meetings against the Big Six this season until Wednesday, including a 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford in December. Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice that night, but his participation is questionable following his newborn son's heartbreaking death.
United know they can't afford to lose and fall six points behind, whilst a draw may keep Arsenal in contention if Spurs make another mistake. When, or should we say,...
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