Premier League 2025/26 Opener: Manchester United vs Arsenal Preview, Odds, Form, Lineups & More
๐ Match Info
Fixture: Manchester United vs Arsenal
Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025
Venue: Old Trafford
Occasion: Premier League 2025/26 โ Gameweek 1
All-Time Meetings: 243
Kick-off: TBA
Historic Rivalry Renewed at Old Trafford
The 2025/26 Premier League season begins with a blockbuster encounter as Manchester United vs Arsenal in what will be the 244th meeting between the two giants of English football.
United lead the all-time series with 102 wins, while Arsenal have claimed 90 victories and 51 matches have ended in draws. However, recent form favors Arsenal, who have won 6 of the last 10 Premier League matchups, drawing 2.
Manchester United: A New Era Under Ruben Amorim
Following a turbulent 2024/25 season that ended in a 15th-place finish, Manchester United begin a fresh chapter under new head coach Ruben Amorim, formerly of FC Porto. Amorim, known for his tactical innovation and attacking principles, will be eager to instill a new identity in a team desperate to bounce back.
United’s Preseason Record
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| vs ASEAN All Stars | โ Lost 0-1 |
| Other friendlies | โ 3 Wins, ๐ค 3 Draws |
Arsenal: Title Ambitions Begin at Old Trafford
After three consecutive second-place finishes, Mikel Artetaโs Arsenal are determined to finally lift the Premier League trophy after a 20-year wait. The Gunners enter the season with a well-balanced squad, improved midfield, and a new striker ready to make an impact.
Arsenal’s Preseason Record
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| vs Newcastle | โ Won 3-2 |
| vs Tottenham | โ Lost 0-1 |
| Overall | โ 3 Wins, โ 2 Losses |
Tactical Insight
- Likely formation: 4-2-3-1
- Flexibility in possession to switch to a 3-2-5
- Midfield revamp with better defensive shielding
- David Raya expected to start in goal
Tactical Breakdown & Predicted Lineups
Manchester United โ Expected 3-4-3 Formation
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Andrรฉ Onana |
| CB | Lisandro Martรญnez |
| CB | Raphaรซl Varane |
| CB | Victor Lindelรถf |
| RWB | Diogo Dalot |
| LWB | Luke Shaw |
| CM | Bruno Fernandes |
| CM | Kobbie Mainoo |
| RW | Amad Diallo |
| CF | Benjamin Sesko |
| LW | Matheus Cunha |
Key Subs: Bryan Mbeumo, Casemiro, Jadon Sancho
Arsenal โ Expected 4-2-3-1 Formation
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | David Raya |
| RB | Ben White |
| CB | William Saliba |
| CB | Gabriel Magalhรฃes |
| LB | Oleksandr Zinchenko |
| CM | Declan Rice |
| CM | Jorginho |
| RW | Bukayo Saka |
| CAM | Martin รdegaard |
| LW | Gabriel Martinelli |
| CF | New Signing (TBD)* |
*Note: Arsenalโs new striker has yet to be officially confirmed.
Manchester United vs Arsenal Betting Odds (as of Aug 16, 2025)
| Bookmaker | Man United | Draw | Arsenal |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | +260 | +260 | +105 |
| FanDuel | +260 | +260 | -105 |
| BetMGM | +250 | +265 | +105 |
| Bet365 | +270 | +260 | -106 |
Arsenal are slight favorites across the board, reflecting their stronger recent record and squad stability.
Head-to-Head Summary (All Competitions)
| Total Matches | Man United Wins | Draws | Arsenal Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| 243 | 102 | 51 | 90 |
| Last 10 Premier League Meetings | Arsenal Wins | Draws | Man United Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 6 | 2 | 2 |
As the Premier League returns, all eyes will be on Old Trafford this Sunday. Arsenal aim to begin their title quest with intent, while Manchester United are determined to prove that a new era under Ruben Amorim has begun in earnest.
No matter the result, expect drama, intensity, and high-quality football โ just like this rivalry has always delivered.
