Manchester United vs. Arsenal: Premier League Season Opener
The highly anticipated Premier League 2025/26 clash between Manchester United and Arsenal is set to kick off on Sunday, August 17, 2025. The match will take place at the iconic Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester, starting at 9:00 PM IST. Football fans in India can watch the match live on the JioHotstar app and website via OTTplay Premium, or on Star Sports TV channels.
Team News: Manchester United
Manchester United has significantly invested in their attacking players this summer. Their offense is expected to be led by new striker Benjamin Sesko, alongside Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. Coach Ruben Amorim is preparing for his first full season at the helm, and the team had an unbeaten pre-season, winning the Premier League Summer Series title.
However, some key players have faced injury concerns. While Andre Onana and Joshua Zirkzee missed pre-season due to muscle injuries, they have returned to training and are considered doubtful but positive for selection. Altay Bayindir is expected to be in goal if Onana is unavailable. Unfortunately, Lisandro Martinez is not available due to a knee injury, and Noussair Mazraoui is also absent with a hamstring injury.
Team News: Arsenal
Arsenal’s attacking threat will come from their new signing, Viktor Gyokeres, supported by talented wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. Gyokeres scored his first goal for Arsenal in a recent friendly, helping them retain the Emirates Cup. Martin Zubimendi, another new signing, also provided an assist in that match.
On the injury front, long-term ACL victim Gabriel Jesus is absent. However, coach Mikel Arteta is optimistic that Leandro Trossard’s groin concern will resolve in time for Sunday’s match.
Pre-season Form and Historical Facts
Manchester United heads into the season after an unbeaten pre-season, though some draws made their wins less praiseworthy. Arsenal had a mixed pre-season but ended strongly with a 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao.
Historically, Manchester United has won more Premier League opening day contests than any other side (22). A victory in this match would be particularly significant as it would make them the first team to ever beat Arsenal 100 times across all competitions. Arsenal, on the other hand, has scored in their last 11 straight Premier League games at Old Trafford. If Viktor Gyokeres scores, he would become only the third player to net against Man United at Old Trafford on their Premier League debut.
Match Prediction
Given that Manchester United’s new attacking trio may take time to gel, and Arsenal’s new players like Zubimendi and Gyokeres already show good understanding, the sources predict a tense opening day battle going the way of the Gunners.
Predicted Score: Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal.
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