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Fans across the world rejoice at the return of the English Premier League, with the opening round of fixtures played this weekend. Liverpool battle Bournemouth in the curtain raiser on Friday evening, but we must wait until Sunday for the pick of round one. Manchester United host Arsenal at Old Trafford in an exciting showdown.
Fans packing the home end at the Theatre of Dreams don't just want to see better from their team this season; they demand it. The previous campaign was one to forget for everyone connected to the Red Devils. Is manager Ruben Amorim the man to bring back the glory days? It's certainly possible, but United are a work in progress.
Flashscore's experienced betting writer spent the summer guiding followers to profits at the Club World Cup. He now sets his sights on making the Premier League pay. Keep reading for his Man Utd vs Arsenal preview, including the latest betting odds and the best promotions.
Man Utd vs Arsenal tips
Both teams to score @ 7/10 (bet365)
1-1 correct score @ 13/2 (bet365)
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
United must fire back
Old Trafford hasn't been the same since legendary Scottish manager Sir Alex Ferguson retired. The club have worked tirelessly to replace the great man, appointing several big-name bosses, but none of them stuck. Is Portugal's Amorim the man to bring back the glory days? We must wait and see, but one thing's for sure, the fans and board won't accept another season like last time. Man Utd finished a lowly 15th in the EPL, their worst performance of the Premier League era by a considerable distance.
Stats of 11 wins, nine draws, and 18 defeats, with 44 goals scored and 54 conceded, saw United cross the line just three places higher than the relegation zone, collecting 32 points fewer than Sunday's opponents, who finished as runners-up behind Liverpool. Nothing will be decided on Sunday, but if the manager and team don't hit the ground running, the pressure will build. A home win over Arsenal would show things are moving in the right direction.
Man Utd impressed in pre-season, banking eye-catching wins over Hong Kong, West Ham, Bournemouth and Fiorentina. They also earned a goalless finish with Leeds United and a 2-2 draw with Everton. Last season's results show Man Utd and Arsenal drew their last two meetings, and I'm happy to follow the stats and back a third level finish at a great price.
Bet explanation: If the match ends in a draw, you get the returns.
Entertainment at the Theatre of Dreams
Arsenal head into the 127th season of top-flight professional football in England following back-to-back silver medals. Mikel Arteta's crew ended as the best of the rest behind Manchester City in 2024, before finishing as runners-up to Liverpool in 2025. Fans dream of seeing the famous club from North London going one better and getting their hands on the title following an extended drought. Can Arteta deliver a famous title win to the Emirates Stadium?
Beating Man Utd at Old Trafford for the first time since May 2024 won't win Arsenal the league, but an away victory would serve as a statement of intent. Picking up where they left off proves the Gunners have the quality and character for a fight. The head-to-head stats regarding these old rivals tell fans to expect goals. Both teams scored when Arsenal were last in town, and I expect Sunday's renewal to fall into place.
Sticking with the trends, we see both Man Utd and Arsenal found the net in each of their previous two games, and that run extends to cover seven of nine. That's too good to ignore, and I suggest betting on both teams to score. You can add that wager to your weekend accumulators, hoping the trend continues before a huge audience at the stadium, with millions more following live on TV.
Tip: Both teams to score @ 7/10 (bet365)
Bet explanation: You need both Man Utd and Arsenal to score at least one goal each.
Shoot for a Sunday treat
Having picked the draw and backed both teams to score, I'll now combine my previous selections to give us a shot at landing big odds. My third and final betting prediction on Sunday at Old Trafford is from the correct score market, and we're taking a 1-1 finish. We'll need a rub of the green to get that one home and hosed as a winner, but the numbers give us hope.
The head-to-head form shows that each of the last two games involving Man Utd and Arsenal ended with 1-1 correct scores. The pair fought out a two-goal draw in the FA Cup at the Emirates Stadium in January before Man Utd won on penalties to progress. There was more of the same in March on Premier League duty when goals from Bruno Fernandes and Declan Rice ensured a share of the spoils.
Keeping those two 1-1 draws in mind, I'll remind you that two of United's five summer friendlies ended all-square. Despite their lofty finish in spring, Arsenal may see the value in avoiding an opening day defeat at Old Trafford, leaving happy with a point. There's a risk here, of course, but the odds make it worthwhile and allow you to follow for a small stake.
Tip: 1-1 correct score @ 13/2 (bet365)
Bet explanation: A 1-1 draw will secure you a handsome payout.
Man Utd vs Arsenal odds
The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.
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The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.