If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >

Man Utd vs. Arsenal prediction, lineups, odds and bet builder tips for blockbuster opening Premier League game

Peter Fitzpatrick

Man Utd vs. Arsenal prediction, lineups, odds and bet builder tips for blockbuster opening Premier League game image

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. 

MORE: Premier League 2025/26 predictions and latest betting

Sky Bet offer 50/1 on over 0.5 Arsenal shots on target vs. Man Utd

To mark the occasion, Sky Bet are offering new customers staggering 50/1 odds on Arsenal to have one or more shots on target vs. Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday

Punters can activate the offer via the steps below. 

How to claim Sky Bet's stunning offer

  • Sign up to Sky Bet through the Enhanced Price Boost welcome offer here.
  • Deposit a minimum of £5 via card or Apple Pay, and place a bet of £1 on "Arsenal 1+ shots on target" at normal odds. 
  • If the bet wins the winnings from enhanced odds will be credited as five £10 bet tokens. 
  • If the bet loses, customers will still be credited with three £10 bet tokens. 
  • Free Bets will be credited expire 30 days after crediting. 
  • Full Terms and Conditions are available here

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 12/5 with Sky Bet, with the Gunners are favourites at evens and United way back at 13/5. 

The Sporting News' Score Prediction: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

  • A draw between Manchester United and Arsenal is given a 29.4% probability by Sky Bet.

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 Sky Bet, 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

11/1

Arsenal 1-0

7/1

Man Utd 2-1

11/1

Arsenal 2-1

7/1

1-1 Draw

6/1

*Click odds to bet direct with our selected partners. Odds correct at time of publish.

Back your correct score pick with Sky Bet for £50 in FREE bets when you bet £10 on accas

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.

Manchester United vs. Arsenal Bet Builder tips

Our bet builder for this game is a draw, both teams to score, and Casemiro to be booked. That is currently just over 9/1 with Paddy Power

You can check out the latest odds and bet direct with our selected partners using the bet builder tool below.

How to watch Manchester United vs. Arsenal: Live stream, TV channel

  • Date: Sunday, August 17
  • Venue: Old Trafford
  • Time: 4:30 p.m. BST 
  • TV/Stream: Sky Sports, Sky Go

Peter Fitzpatrick

Peter Fitzpatrick is a freelance content producer for The Sporting News working on betting content for English-language editions. He has been working in sports media since 2022 following a career change mid-lockdown. He has primarily written on football, but also has a keen interest in rugby union, basketball and tennis.