Mikel Arteta is confident heading into Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Manchester United on August 17, 2025, at Old Trafford. Following a strong 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in the Emirates Cup, where new signings Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz scored, Arteta emphasized Arsenal’s readiness:
“We’re very much ready to start the season on Sunday.” He highlighted the team’s depth and versatility, noting, “In every position now, we have different qualities. We can adapt and change things during games, which makes it difficult for opponents.” The return of Gabriel Magalhaes, who looked sharp against Bilbao after a rusty pre-season, bolsters Arsenal’s defense alongside William Saliba, forming one of the league’s strongest partnerships.
Arsenal’s aggressive transfer window, with six signings including Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi, has addressed depth issues that plagued them last season, particularly with injuries to key players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard. Arteta believes this depth will allow tactical flexibility, saying, “Hopefully this season we can decide what is the best team with the best players to play against this opponent.” However, injuries to Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Takehiro Tomiyasu could pose challenges, though Myles Lewis-Skelly is available after suspension.
The Gunners face a Manchester United side under Ruben Amorim, who’s looking to rebound from a poor 2024/25 season. United have lost their last four Premier League games against Arsenal, and Arteta holds a 70% win rate against them, the highest of any manager facing United at least five times. Despite United’s new signings like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, their inconsistent form and injury concerns (up to ten players, including Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez) make Arsenal favorites.
The Opta supercomputer gives Arsenal a 51% chance of winning, compared to United’s 23%, with a 26% chance of a draw.
Arteta acknowledged United’s new energy under Amorim, saying, “You can see his fingerprints... He brings energy to the club, to the players, new ideas.” However, he stressed Arsenal’s need to perform at a high level to secure a win, given United’s potential to capitalize on transitions and set pieces. Arsenal’s recent record at Old Trafford is mixed, with two wins in their last five visits, but they’ve scored in each of their last 10 Premier League games there, netting 13 goals.
Team Form and Context
Manchester United:
Last Season: United had a disastrous 2024/25 Premier League campaign, finishing 15th, their worst-ever top-flight position, with only 42 points and nine home defeats. They also lost the Europa League final to Tottenham.
Pre-Season: United showed mixed results, losing 1-0 to ASEAN All-Stars but going unbeaten in their next five friendlies, including wins over Hong Kong, West Ham, and Bournemouth, and draws with Leeds and Everton.
Manager: Ruben Amorim remains under pressure to turn things around. His squad is without European competition this season, allowing focus on domestic recovery.
Key Transfers: United bolstered their attack with Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton) and Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford), while Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig) is a potential addition. Departures include Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Victor Lindelof, Christian Eriksen, and Jonny Evans.
Form: Recent league form shows inconsistency, with two wins and four losses in their last six matches (W L L L W L).
Arsenal:
Last Season: Arsenal finished second for the third consecutive season, 10 points behind champions Liverpool. They struggled with 14 draws and scored under 70 goals, hampered by injuries and a lack of clinical finishing. However, they reached the Champions League semi-finals, losing to PSG.
Pre-Season: Arsenal have been impressive, defeating AC Milan 1-0 and Newcastle 3-2, though they lost to Villarreal and Tottenham.
Manager: Mikel Arteta faces a make-or-break season to deliver a major trophy after six years in charge.
Key Transfers: Arsenal spent heavily, signing Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting, £65m), Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad),
Christian Norgaard (Brentford), and Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea). Departures include Raheem Sterling, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Thomas Partey, and Jorginho.
Form: Arsenal’s recent form includes two wins, one draw, and three losses in their last six matches (W W D L L L). They are unbeaten in their last 14 away Premier League games.
Head-to-Head (H2H)
Arsenal have dominated recent encounters, winning four of their last six Premier League matches against United, with two draws. United’s last competitive win over Arsenal was on September 4, 2022 (3-1).
At Old Trafford, Arsenal have won two of their last five visits (D1, L2), including a 1-0 win in 2023/24 and a 1-1 draw in 2024/25.
Historical H2H (last 57 matches across all competitions): United 24 wins, Arsenal 18 wins, 15 draws.
Predictions and Betting Insights
Prediction: Most sources favor Arsenal to win, with a common scoreline of 1-2 or 0-1. Models give Arsenal a 47.9-69% chance of winning, United 27-32%, and a draw 24-33%.
Betting Odds:
Moneyline: Arsenal +110 to +106, United +240 to +245, Draw +239 to +250.
Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over -113 to -115, Under -105 to -113. Recent matches suggest under 2.5 goals, with four of the last four league meetings producing fewer than 2.5 goals.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Yes 54.9-60%, No 45.1%.
Anytime Goalscorers: Viktor Gyokeres (+110), Bukayo Saka (+230), Matheus Cunha (+230), Benjamin Sesko (+220).
Key Betting Tips:
Arsenal to win or draw (double chance) at 1.32 odds.
Under 2.5 goals, given the low-scoring trend in recent H2H matches.
Bukayo Saka to score anytime, based on his opening-day scoring record.