Manchester United and Arsenal's predicted line-ups for their Premier League opener, showcasing the Premiership heavyweights' potential £292m offensive firepower
In the highly anticipated opening match of the 2025/26 Premier League season, Manchester United and Arsenal are set to lock horns at Old Trafford. Both teams are eager to make a strong start, with Manchester United seeking redemption after a challenging previous season and Arsenal aiming to capitalise on their superior squad depth and recent acquisitions.
The predicted line-ups for the two teams suggest a closely contested match. Manchester United, likely to play in a 3-4-2-1 formation, are expected to field André Onana (if fit; otherwise Altay Bayındır) in goal. Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, and Leny Yoro will form the central defensive trio, with Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu as the wing-backs. The midfield pairing is expected to be Mason Mount and Casemiro, with Bruno Fernandes taking a deeper role. Upfront, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and new signing Benjamin Šeško will form the attacking unit, with Šeško making his club debut.
Arsenal, on the other hand, are predicted to line up in a 4-3-3 formation. Raya is expected to be in goal, with Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and Lewis-Kelly forming the defensive line. Martin Zubimendi, a summer recruit, is destined to partner Declan Rice in the base of midfield, while Martin Ødegaard will likely occupy a more advanced role. Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyökeres, and Gabriel Martinelli will lead the attacking charge.
Leandro Trossard's availability is uncertain due to a groin injury, but Gabriel Jesus, who has been out since January with a torn ACL, remains on the sidelines with a long-term injury. Arsenal have made significant transfer investments this season, bringing in Gyökeres, Martin Zubimendi, and Noni Madueke for an estimated £165million combined.
Manchester United have also strengthened their squad, with Ruben Amorim overhauling the strike force by bringing in Šeško, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha. Ayden Heaven is expected to take on the right-sided centre-back role, with Joshua Zirkzee's participation in the match uncertain due to an injury.
This fixture represents a significant challenge for both teams, with Arsenal considered slight favourites. However, the electric atmosphere at Old Trafford promises to make this a thrilling encounter. The match is scheduled for 4:30pm.
[1] Šeško joins Manchester United from RB Leipzig for a whopping £72m. [2] Mbeumo and Cunha combine for 35 league goals last term. [3] Arsenal sign Gyökeres, Zubimendi, and Madueke for an estimated £165million combined. [4] Trossard's availability is uncertain due to a groin injury, while Jesus remains out with a long-term injury. [5] Arsenal are considered slight favourites, but the match is likely to be closely contested at Old Trafford.
- Despite a groin injury, Benjamin Šeško is set to make his England debut for Manchester United against Arsenal, having joined from RB Leipzig for a reported £72m.
- Last season, Mbeumo and Cunha, who are set to play together for Manchester United, combined for 35 league goals.
- Arsenal have bolstered their squad this season with the acquisitions of Viktor Gyökeres, Martin Zubimendi, and Noni Madueke for an estimated £165million combined.
- Leandro Trossard's availability is uncertain for the match due to a groin injury, while Gabriel Jesus (who has been out since January with a torn ACL) remains out with a long-term injury.
- The closely contested Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford is considered a significant challenge for both teams, with Arsenal being slight favorites, but with the electric atmosphere promising a thrilling encounter.
