Having finished as Premier League runners-up for three years on the bounce, Arsenal are desperate to get over the line this season. Can Mikel Arteta’s men finally clear the last hurdle and win the title?
And what of Manchester United, as Ruben Amorim attempts to whip them into shape? This is an intriguing encounter to look forward to on the opening weekend.
- Manchester United or draw – 8/11 with Paddy Power
- Under 2.5 goals – Evens with bet365
- Bruno Fernandes to score or assist – 7/4 with Sky Bet
Manchester United vs Arsenal odds
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Manchester United vs Arsenal predictions
Arsenal are fed up with being the Premier League’s bridesmaids.
Having finished in second place for three seasons on the bounce, Mikel Arteta and his players hope that this is finally their year.
The only other Premier League team to finish as runners-up in three consecutive years was Arsenal, between 1999 and 2001. The following season, Arsene Wenger’s team won the double of league title and FA Cup. Is history about to repeat itself?
Those of an optimistic persuasion will point to the signing of Viktor Gyokeres as potentially decisive. Arsenal have been crying out for a genuine No.9 for years. Now they finally have one.
Gyokeres arrives on the back of two brilliant seasons at Sporting CP, where he made the net bulge 97 times in 102 appearances. That is unquestionably a fine record.
The caveat is that most of those goals came in Portuguese domestic football, which is nowhere near the same level as the Premier League. But at least Arsenal now have a bona fide centre-forward in the building.
Elsewhere, Martin Zubimendi looks like an upgrade on Thomas Partey, while Christian Norgaard is a solid back-up midfielder. Noni Madueke is a more curious addition, but he is at least another option in attack.
Injuries hurt Arsenal last season. With a bit of luck, they will be able to keep the likes of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard fit throughout 2025/26.
Doubts persist, though. Arsenal are defensively solid, but their attack looked formulaic last term. They often struggled to break down low blocks, dropping points against the likes of Bournemouth, Fulham, Everton, West Ham United, Brentford and Crystal Palace.
There is also a question of whether Arsenal can go again after falling short three times in a row. Last season in particular felt like a missed opportunity given Manchester City’s collapse. Is it possible that this team has already peaked?
Manchester United have more modest ambitions. A top-six finish would be a decent return in Ruben Amorim’s first full campaign in charge.
The club has spent the summer bolstering its attack, bringing in Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. United should score more goals this season, but they still look short in midfield and at wing-back, while an upgrade between the posts would not go amiss.
Manchester United vs Arsenal betting tips
Manchester United renew hostilities with Arsenal in the standout fixture of the Premier League weekend.
Manchester United or draw
After Manchester United finished 15th last season, Amorim could really do with a strong start.
Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea are among their first five opponents, so it will not be easy for United to hit the ground running. But a victory on matchday one would give them something to build on.
United are understandably rated as underdogs for this game, but we reckon they will be able to at least avoid defeat.
The Red Devils have been mediocre at best in the last few years, yet Arsenal have won only one of their last four visits to Old Trafford.
With pre-season optimism in the air in M16, Arsenal are in for a tough game on Sunday.
Go for Manchester United or a draw at 8/11 with Paddy Power
Under 2.5 goals
Manchester United vs Arsenal was once the biggest and best game in the Premier League.
Due to the struggles of either one or both clubs, that has not been the case for some time. And recent meetings between the pair have tended to be tight, low-scoring affairs.
It is therefore a slight surprise to see under 2.5 goals available at such attractive odds. After all, this bet paid out in each of the last four games between these two teams.
Arteta prioritises control first and foremost. He will want his team to keep the ball away from United, who now carry more of a threat on the break.
This is an intriguing fixture on the opening weekend. It will not necessarily be a goal-laden one.
Back under 2.5 goals at evens with bet365
Bruno Fernandes to score or assist
Given they finished 15th, it is not entirely hyperbolic to say that Manchester United might have been relegated without Bruno Fernandes last season.
The Portugal international was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia at the start of the summer, but he turned down their advances to stay in Europe.
Fernandes looks set to be used in central midfield this weekend. United lack top-class alternatives in that area, whereas they now have quality options for the front three.
But even in a deeper role, Fernandes will be influential. Do not be surprised if he has a direct hand in at least one goal.
Tip Bruno Fernandes to score or assist at 7/4 with Sky Bet
Manchester United vs Arsenal predicted lineups
- Manchester United expected lineup: Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Cunha, Sesko, Mbeumo.
- Arsenal expected lineup: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli
Where to watch Manchester United vs Arsenal
- Location: Old Trafford, Manchester, England.
- Date and time: Sunday 17th August, 4.30pm.
- How to watch: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
More Premier League predictions
Our site offers plenty more Premier League predictions – check out our most recent betting tips from seasoned punters in our match preview overview.
About the author
Greg Lea
Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.
Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball
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