Manchester United and Arsenal meet on Sunday in the pick of the Premier League opening games with both clubs in need of a positive start to the season for different reasons.
United are coming off their worst season in over 50 years, having finished a staggeringly low 15th in the league, and suffering the ignominy of a Europa League final loss to Spurs.
Ruben Amorim knows things must be different this campaign, and he has been gifted a new big-money front three in the shape of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. A midfield signing is still expected, but the fanbase and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be expectant from day one.
As for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, it was another second-place in the league and trophyless season, and it now feels like somewhat of a make or break campaign for this era at the club.
The Gunners have been busy in the market, signing six players, with Martin Zubimendi and Amorim's former striker Viktor Gyokeres the standouts.
The Sporting News takes you through the latest odds, tips and predictions for this blockbuster clash at Old Trafford.
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Man Utd. vs Arsenal predictions, betting tips and odds
The opening game of the season is incredibly hard to predict, particularly with both sides making significant changes to their side. Arsenal do not have a good recent record at Old Trafford, and a repeat of last season's 1-1 draw is our pick.
The draw is 3.80 with Dafabet, with the Gunners are favourites at 1.86 and United way back at 4.20.
The Sporting News' Score Prediction: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal
- A draw between Manchester United and Arsenal is given a 26.3% probability by Dafabet.
- Learn more about reading odds, different types of bets and the best online betting sites through our how to bet on football guide
Manchester United vs. Arsenal expected lineups
Here's how we think these two sides will line up at Old Trafford.
Manchester United lineup (3-4-2-1, right to left)
- Onana (GK) — Yoro, de Ligt, Shaw — Dalot, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu — Mbeumo, Cunha — Sesko
Injured: Noussair Mazraoui, Lisandro Martinez
Suspended: None
Arsenal lineup (4-3-3, right to left)
- Raya (GK) — Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly — Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard — Martinelli, Gyokeres, Saka
Injured: Gabriel Jesus
Suspended: None
Manchester United vs. Arsenal latest odds, correct score betting
Our 1-1 prediction is at decent odds with Melbet, but there are plenty of other possible score lines that are worth looking at for this one. Here's a look at some of the most likely outcomes according to the bookmakers.
Result | Odds* |
Man Utd 1-0 | |
Arsenal 1-0 | |
Man Utd 2-1 | |
Arsenal 2-1 | |
Draw 1-1 |
*Click odds to bet direct with our selected partners. Odds correct at time of publish.
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Manchester United vs. Arsenal team news
- Long-term absentee Lisandro Martinez continues to miss out, while Noussair Mazraoui has not yet recovered from his hamstring injury.
- The big questions for Amorim in the backline are Diogo Dalot or Amad at right-wing back, and Harry Maguire or Matthijs de Ligt at the heart of the back three.
- Will Sesko start? Amorim confirmed the big Slovenian is fit and available, and he could be unleashed at Old Trafford on Sunday.
- Arsenal are only without Gabriel Jesus, and will likely start both Zubimendi and Gyokeres, with Kai Havertz left on the bench.
How to watch Manchester United vs. Arsenal: Live stream, TV channel in India
- Date: Sunday, August 17
- Venue: Old Trafford
- Time: 9:00 p.m. IST
- TV/Stream: Star Sports Network/Jio TV