Manchester United and Arsenal are set to launch their 2025/26 Premier League campaigns on Sunday, August 17, at Old Trafford.
Odds:
| Outcome | American Odds | Decimal Odds | Fractional Odds |
| Manchester United | +275 | 3.75 | 11/4 |
| Draw | +250 | 3.50 | 5/2 |
| Arsenal | -105 | 1.95 | 9/10 |
Last Season’s Head-to-Head Record:
Manchester United Team News:
Portuguese manager, Ruben Amorim, has confirmed that Benjamin Šeško is physically and mentally ready for his Premier League debut. He could feature in a revamped front three alongside Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha; this is a setup that would likely push Bruno Fernandes into a deeper midfield role, which I fully expect to see.
Joshua Zirkzee and André Onana have both recovered from injuries and are set to be involved, despite ongoing transfer speculation. The same applies to Rasmus Højlund, who has been linked with Fulham. However, Noussair Mazraoui (hamstring) and Lisandro Martínez (knee) remain sidelined.
Arsenal Team News:
Viktor Gyökeres looks set for his competitive debut after impressing in Arsenal’s final pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao. Kai Havertz also found the net in that match, giving Mikel Arteta plenty to consider as he finalises his starting XI.
It remains unclear which way Arteta will lean when deciding who leads the line at Old Trafford, with both Gyökeres and Havertz making strong cases ahead of Sunday’s clash.
Predicted Starting Lineups:
Manchester United Lineup Notes:
Given Arsenal’s threat in the final third and their ability to dictate the tempo, I expect Manuel Ugarte to get the nod over Casemiro to provide extra defensive stability from the start. Despite recently recovering from injury, André Onana should take his place in goal.
In defence, Luke Shaw is likely to slot in at left centre-back, while up front I’m predicting a triple debut for Amorim’s new-look front three. As noted earlier, Noussair Mazraoui (hamstring) and Lisandro Martínez (knee) remain unavailable.
Arsenal Lineup Notes:
The big question for Mikel Arteta is whether to start Kai Havertz or Viktor Gyökeres up front. My gut says he may stick with what he knows to open the season at Old Trafford.
Beyond that, the rest of the lineup is fairly predictable, though there’s healthy competition for places at fullback. Riccardo Calafiori will push Myles Lewis-Skelly for his spot, while Jurriën Timber could challenge Ben White on the opposite flank.
Match Preview:
Both Manchester United and Arsenal enter the 2025/26 Premier League season boasting upgraded firepower. Arsenal finally landed their long-coveted striker, Viktor Gyökeres, from Sporting CP and added Noni Madueke from Chelsea to bolster their wing options. Manchester United made an equally bold statement in the summer transfer window, securing Matheus Cunha from Wolves, Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, and Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig.
While United’s attacking trio will no doubt excite the Old Trafford faithful, Amorim’s marquee signings may take time to fully click. In contrast, Arsenal’s new arrivals – including Martín Zubimendi and Gyökeres – already look in sync, as shown by the Swede’s opening goal in the Emirates Cup.
United’s revamped front line is dangerous, but their summer dealings left the rest of the squad relatively untouched. Questions remain over André Onana’s consistency in goal, the defence still appears vulnerable, and the midfield, despite being orchestrated by Bruno Fernandes, lacks balance and quality around him.
Given these factors, I expect Arsenal to control the midfield battle, create sustained pressure, and exploit the gaps in United’s back line.
Betting Tips:
Over 2.5 Goals
Odds:
- American: -125
- Decimal: 1.80
- Fractional: 4/5
With both sides bolstering their attacks and entering the season eager to make a statement, I’m expecting an open, high-energy contest. The quality and depth in the final third for both teams should produce plenty of chances, so I’m backing this match to go over the 2.5 goal total set by the bookmakers.
Pick: Over 2.5 Goals
Arsenal Win
Odds:
- American: -105
- Decimal: 1.95
- Fractional: 9/10
I expect Arsenal to dictate the midfield, create sustained pressure, and capitalize on United’s defensive vulnerabilities. My call: Arsenal open their campaign with a 2–1 win, with the Red Devils potentially grabbing a goal on the counter.
Pick: Arsenal Win
