Manchester United will take on Arsenal on Sunday, 17 August, in the standout fixture on the opening weekend of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Historically, this has always been one of the biggest matches of the Premier League season, and the fact that it's being played on the opening day this season only adds more fascination.
Manchester United must perform better than they did last season, while Arsenal are under huge pressure to finally win the title after three successive seasons of finishing second.
As part of this week's selection of Premier League betting tips, check out our Man Utd vs Arsenal prediction below.
Contents
Man Utd vs Arsenal prediction: The hosts to avoid defeat
Key Stats
- Man Utd have won seven of their last nine home opening day fixtures.
- Arsenal have won just two of their last 17 matches at Old Trafford.
- Fewer than three goals have been scored in five of Man Utd's last six Premier League matches.
Correct score prediction: Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
Although Man Utd have bolstered their forward line over the summer, it will take a bit of time to gel, so don't expect fireworks from the off. Arsenal have also added a new striker in Viktor Gyokores, but Mikel Arteta has always lined up conservatively at Old Trafford, and there is no reason to think he will change this weekend.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Arsenal start as favourites
- HOME: 3/1 (4.00) – 25%
- DRAW: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.8%
- AWAY: 17/20 (1.85) – 54.1%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Man Utd vs Arsenal odds suggest that the Gunners are in a good position to make it three wins in 18 at Old Trafford on Sunday. Ladbrokes have given the visitors a 54.1% chance of winning the match, while the hosts have been given just a 25% chance of victory.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Advantage Arsenal
Arsenal have enjoyed several victories over Man Utd in recent times, with the Gunners boasting four wins from their last five league matches against the Red Devils. In last season's corresponding fixture at Old Trafford, the two sides played out a 1-1 draw – a result that all but ended Arsenal's title aspirations.
England Premier League 09/03/25
Man Utd
Arsenal
TEST Fixtures 27/02/25
Arsenal
Man Utd
TEST Fixtures 04/02/25
Arsenal
Man Utd
England FA Cup 12/01/25
Arsenal
Man Utd
England Premier League 04/12/24
Arsenal
Man Utd
Man Utd preview: A debut for Sesko?
While Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have already appeared in a red shirt during pre-season, Benjamin Sesko is set for his debut on Sunday afternoon. Sesko should be joined by the aforementioned duo in United's new look front three, but there won't be room in the squad for Noussair Mazraoui or Lisandro Martinez due to injuries.
Predicted lineup: Onana (GK), Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw, Amad, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu, Cunha, Mbeumo, Sesko
England Premier League 11/05/25
L
West Ham
2
Man Utd
0
UEFA Europa League 08/05/25
W
Athletic Bilbao
1
Man Utd
4
England Premier League 04/05/25
L
Brentford
4
Man Utd
3
UEFA Europa League 01/05/25
W
Athletic Bilbao
0
Man Utd
3
England Premier League 27/04/25
D
Bournemouth
1
Man Utd
1
Arsenal preview: Jesus the only absentee
Gabriel Jesus is the only man unavailable for selection this weekend for Arsenal, which should mean we get an idea of what Mikel Arteta believes his strongest XI is. The Spaniard will almost certainly play Viktor Gyokores from the off after the Swede netted in a friendly last week.
Predicted lineup: Raya (GK), White, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Zubimendi, Odegaard, Rice, Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli
England Premier League 11/05/25
D
Liverpool
2
Arsenal
2
UEFA Champions League 07/05/25
L
PSG
2
Arsenal
1
England Premier League 03/05/25
L
Bournemouth
2
Arsenal
1
UEFA Champions League 29/04/25
L
PSG
1
Arsenal
0
England Premier League 23/04/25
D
Crystal Palace
2
Arsenal
2
Player to watch: Viktor Gyokeres
In another timeline, Viktor Gyokeres lines up for Manchester United on Sunday, but in this one, he is set to go up against his former manager. The Swede was electric for Amorim at Sporting Lisbon, and scored more than 50 goals in all competitions last season. Can he score on his Premier League debut on Sunday?