The Matchday 1 clash in the Premier League between Manchester United and Arsenal will take place on August 17 at Old Trafford. Manchester United vs. Arsenal: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Manchester United
Last season, the team finished in 15th place, gathering only 42 points. These are the club's worst figures in the English top flight in the last 50 years. Additionally, Manchester United scored only 44 goals, a low not seen since the Premier League's inception. The club ended the last campaign with a win over Aston Villa but previously had an eight-match winless streak in the league (2 draws and 6 losses). In preparation for the new season, the team played seven friendlies, suffering only one defeat in regulation time (3 wins and 3 draws).
This summer, the club saw the departures of forward Marcus Rashford (loan), defenders Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelöf, and midfielder Christian Eriksen. New signings include forwards Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Šeško, as well as defender Diego León.
- At least one team failed to score in 7 of the last 10 Premier League matches involving Manchester United.
- No more than three goals were scored in 5 of Manchester United's last 6 league matches.
- The club has failed to win in 9 of its last 12 home matches in the Premier League (2 draws and 7 losses).
Predicted lineup for Manchester United (3-4-3)
Altay Bayındır – Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire – Patrick Dorgu, Amad Diallo, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes – Mason Mount, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha.
Defender Lisandro Martínez is out due to injury. Goalkeeper André Onana, defender Noussair Mazraoui, and forward Joshua Zirkzee are doubtful for the match.
Arsenal
For three consecutive years, the Gunners have finished in the second position in the league table. However, last season saw their worst performance in three years in terms of points (74), wins (20), and goals scored (69). Mikel Arteta's team notably slowed down in the last third of the season, winning only 5 of the final 13 rounds (6 draws and 2 losses). Before the new season, Arsenal played five friendlies, winning three and losing two.
In the off-season, the team parted ways with defenders Nuno Tavares, Kieran Tierney, and Takehiro Tomiyasu, as well as midfielders Thomas Partey and Jorginho. New acquisitions include forwards Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyökeres, defender Cristian Mosquera, and midfielders Martín Zubimendi and Christian Nørgaard.
- Both teams scored in 7 of the last 9 Premier League matches involving Arsenal.
- Arsenal's unbeaten away streak in the Premier League stretches to 14 matches – 7 wins and 7 draws.
- The team has not conceded more than one goal in 11 of their last 12 away league matches.
Predicted lineup for Arsenal (4-2-3-1)
David Raya – Gabriel Magalhães, Jurriën Timber, William Saliba, Riccardo Calafiori – Martín Zubimendi, Declan Rice – Martin Ødegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka – Viktor Gyökeres.
Forward Gabriel Jesus will miss the upcoming matches due to injury.
Referee
Simon Hooper (England)
Matches – 24 (Premier League, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 111;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.6;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 20;
Penalties – 21%.
Manchester United vs. Arsenal: Match Prediction
The Red Devils will need time to recover from last season's disappointment. The club has strengthened over the summer, but it’s unlikely that the new players will quickly integrate into the team. Therefore, I do not believe the hosts of the upcoming match will be able to take points from a stable Arsenal, who, incidentally, have won 4 of the last 5 head-to-head Premier League meetings (with one draw).
Moreover, last season showed that Manchester United can lose to any opponent even at their home ground. At Old Trafford, the club lost 7 of their last 12 league matches. Meanwhile, the Londoners have shown excellent results away from home and have not lost on the road in the Premier League since November last year.
My prediction – Arsenal to Win
