Manchester United look to start afresh against Arsenal in a massive clash on the opening weekend of 2025-26 Premier League.
Utd will seek to build on their shock 15th-placed league finish of last season, whilst Arsenal seek to finally end their three-season run of finishing runner-up and claim a first top-flight crown since 2003-04 season.
Team News
Man Utd could welcome Andre Onana and Joshua Zirkzee back from hamstring and muscle injuries respectively.
Noussair Mazraoui (thigh) and Lisandro Martinez (knee) remain sidelined.
Matheus Cunha, Diego Leon, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko could be in line for their debuts following their arrivals this summer.
Arsenal could have Leandro Trossard available if he passes a late fitness check, having suffered a groin injury in pre-season.
Gabriel Jesus remains ruled out until November with a knee injury which he had suffered in January.
Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and Viktor Gyokeres are set for their debuts, whilst Kepa Arrizabalaga is set for the bench as back-up to David Raya.
When is Kick-Off?
Man Utd host Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday 17 August at 4:30pm BST, live on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League channels in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Man Utd are winless in their last five league meetings against Arsenal (D1, L4).
- Arsenal have lost two of their last seven league trips to Man Utd (W2, D3, L2).
- Utd have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last eight league meetings against Arsenal (W2, D1, L5).
- Man Utd kept just one clean sheet in pre-season (W2, D3).
- Four of Arsenal’s nine goals in pre-season came from Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka, who both netted two goals apiece.
Prediction
Despite their strong transfer business this summer, Man Utd still don’t really feel like guaranteed challengers for European qualification because their issues run much deeper than just refreshing their attack as their midfield isn’t consistent enough aside from Bruno Fernandes.
Their defensive play also is a major area of vulnerability especially in terms of the defensive midfield role which often lacked the physicality needed to match Ruben Amorim’s style, which has often left their defence exposed with inconsistent structure due to injuries.
Arsenal meanwhile simply lacked a variety of striker options last season which cost them a shot at the title once Kai Havertz and Jesus suffered lengthy injuries, so Gyokeres’ arrival is welcome given his attacking versatility in terms of pace and directness which will trouble oppositional defences.
This opening clash therefore is absolutely huge because not only is this a chance for both Amorim and Mikel Arteta to see how their improved sides fare competitively, but one which will highlight areas for further immediate improvement so I do expect this to be a cracker.
I however do feel like Arsenal will ultimately have too much firepower for Utd’s defence to handle.
Prediction: Man Utd 1-2 Arsenal
Result: Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
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