Manchester United vs Arsenal Match Preview and Team News | OneFootball

Old Trafford Hosts United vs Arsenal as Premier League Season Kicks Off

Manchester United and Arsenal open their 2025–26 Premier League campaigns with a heavyweight clash at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. The fixture, scheduled for a 4:30pm BST kick-off and broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, promises a compelling test of two squads strengthened significantly over the summer.

New arrivals are expected to feature prominently for both clubs, from Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha in United red to Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi in Arsenal colours.

Arsenal’s Attacking Choices

Viktor Gyokeres could make his Premier League debut, with Mikel Arteta weighing whether to start the Swedish striker immediately against his former Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim. Kai Havertz remains another option up front, and both forwards scored in Arsenal’s final pre-season outing. Gabriel Jesus remains unavailable as he continues rehabilitation from a knee injury.

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Bukayo Saka is set to start on the right wing, with Gabriel Martinelli likely to operate on the left following a strong showing against Athletic Club. Noni Madueke is still settling after joining from Chelsea, while Leandro Trossard is sidelined with a groin problem and appears close to an exit.

In midfield, Zubimendi is adapting well alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. At the back, William Saliba and Gabriel form the central pairing, with full-back places contested between Ben White and Jurrien Timber on the right, and Riccardo Calafiori or Myles Lewis-Skelly on the left. Calafiori impressed against Athletic Club and could exploit spaces against United’s right-sided wing-back.

Manchester United’s Potential Line-Up

Ruben Amorim’s side is still adapting to his tactical shape, with Patrick Dorgu looking established as first-choice left wing-back. A back three of Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt or Harry Maguire, plus either Luke Shaw or youngster Ayden Heaven, is likely in the absence of Lisandro Martinez.

Andre Onana could return from a hamstring injury, replacing Altay Bayindir. Joshua Zirkzee is also in contention. Rasmus Hojlund appears close to a loan move, with Sesko primed for his first Premier League start. Behind him, Cunha and Mbeumo may make their competitive debuts, supported by Bruno Fernandes in a deeper playmaking role.

Midfield options include Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo, with United also active in the market for another central midfielder. Mason Mount impressed in pre-season but may face competition for minutes from the club’s new attacking recruits.

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Tactical Battles and Key Areas

Arsenal’s defensive stability, which produced the league’s best record last season, will be tested by United’s revamped forward line. The Gunners’ midfield balance, led by Rice and Odegaard, will aim to control possession and limit service to Sesko.

United’s back line faces a challenge from Arsenal’s fluid attacking trio, particularly the combination play between Saka, Martinelli and Gyokeres or Havertz. Set-piece delivery from both sides could also be decisive.

Prediction

Both teams have invested heavily and arrive with optimism. Arsenal’s defensive continuity may give them a slight advantage, but United’s attacking upgrades could produce a high-scoring contest.

Prediction: Arsenal to win 3–2.