The 2025–26 Premier League season kicks off with a heavyweight clash as fierce rivals Manchester United and Arsenal lock horns at Old Trafford on Sunday in the standout fixture of the opening weekend.
Both clubs enter the new season with a significant point to prove. United are desperate to bounce back from a disastrous 15th-place finish last season and show their expensive rebuild is on the right track. Arsenal, meanwhile, are under immense pressure to finally end their trophy drought and convert their consistency into silverware after another second-place finish.
The main focus for the hosts will be on their brand new, expensive attack. Manager Ruben Amorim is expected to hand official competitive debuts to his new forward triumvirate of Benjamin Šeško, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha. The team has also been handed a major boost with first-choice goalkeeper André Onana recovering from injury in time to start.
The primary storyline for the visitors is a personal one. New star striker Viktor Gyökeres will make his official debut for the Gunners against the club that also tried to sign him, and against his former manager at Sporting CP, Ruben Amorim. New midfield signing Martín Zubimendi is also set to make his debut from the start.
Predicted Lineups
- Man Utd Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1): Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha; Šeško.
- Arsenal Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Martinelli.
Score Prediction This is a fascinating and unpredictable encounter to begin the season. Arsenal arguably have the superior, more settled and cohesive squad on paper. However, Manchester United possess a completely new and unknown attacking force, backed by the significant advantage of a packed Old Trafford. While the Gunners may be slight favourites, the chaotic and emotional nature of an opening-day rivalry match could see the points shared in an entertaining draw.
Prediction: Man Utd 2–2 Arsenal