Arsenal visit Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, and predictions have been made ahead of the clash.
The Gunners will be looking to hit the ground running this season by claiming victory against their old rivals at Old Trafford.
Arsenal beat Athletic Club 3-0 at the Emirates in their final match of pre-season, in what was arguably their best friendly display, and Mikel Arteta will hope his team can replicate this performance in the north-west.
United held Arteta’s side to a draw in this fixture last season in May, with Declan Rice’s late strike salvaging a point following Bruno Fernandes’ spectacular free-kick.
Paul Merson makes Manchester United vs Arsenal prediction
Arsenal could be without Leandro Trossard for the encounter with United, after the Belgian sustained an injury against Tottenham during pre-season.
Aside from the former Brighton winger, Arteta should have a fully fit squad to pick from.
United head into the game looking to flaunt some of their new signings, and the Gunners will need to be wary of the threat that the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha can cause.
Despite the Red Devils’ newfound attacking impetus, Paul Merson thinks Arsenal will get the better of Ruben Amorim’s outfit.
“This is a must-win game for Arsenal, it’s as simple as that!” Merson wrote for Sportskeeda.
“If you have a look at their fixtures after this weekend, it goes like – Leeds United at home, Liverpool away, Forest and Man City at home before a trip to Newcastle. If they don’t beat Manchester United on Sunday, I don’t expect them to beat Liverpool and City during this run! So all of a sudden, they could be seven or nine points behind in the title race.
“Mikel Arteta and Arsenal must forget about the 37 games they have coming up after this weekend. This is the problem with some people in this league, you should never go into a new season with a mindset of making up points later.
“Look at Jose Mourinho when he was successful at Chelsea, he always got off the block quickly. It’s true that you can’t win the league in October, but you can surely lose if you’re not sharp enough!”
Score Prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Arsenal
Chris Sutton has predicted the result of Manchester United vs Arsenal
Viktor Gyokeres was a target for United before he made his move to Arsenal, while Benjamin Sesko was at one point the Gunners’ primary target before he made the switch to the north-west.
This storyline is likely to dominate the narrative at Old Trafford on Sunday, and the Arsenal supporters will be desperate for their man to come out on top.
Chris Sutton believes he will, predicting the Swedish number nine to ‘have the final say’.
“What a great game this is to start the season with,” Sutton wrote for BBC Sport.
“I am genuinely excited about Manchester United’s new signings, especially Mbeumo and Cunha – we have already seen just how good they are in the Premier League.
“Arsenal have a new centre-forward too of course, and United boss Ruben Amorim knows all about Viktor Gyokeres after their time together at Sporting.
“I am looking forward to seeing how Gyokeres links up with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, and how quickly they can develop an understanding.
“Add in how there is always needle in this match, and that a win would be huge for either side, and there is a lot to look forward to.
“It is going to be close, but although I feel really positive about United this season, I think they will lose this and Gyokeres may just have the final say against his old manager.”
Score Prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Arsenal
United finished 15th last season, and will be desperate to improve upon this miserable campaign this term.
Amorim will be under pressure from the outset, and a defeat against Arsenal on the opening day would undoubtedly reignite the negative atmosphere around Old Trafford.
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