Predicted Arsenal line-up for Man United in first 2025/26 Premier League match, including two debuts and injury return

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal’s attentions for the new season have been sharpened after the 2025-26 fixtures were announced.

Arsenal’s season opener is a tough trip to Old Trafford to face Ruben Amorim’s side fresh with optimism after completing the signing of Matheus Cunha.

The pressure has increased on Andrea Berta to complete the Gunners’ transfer activity early as Arsenal face a tough opening six fixtures – including trips to Anfield and St James’s Park.

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City also visit the Emirates Stadium at the beginning of the campaign and it is now crucial that Arsenal have a settled squad ready to go for the start of the season.

READ MORE: Arsenal handed secret Premier League advantage after fixture release, it will be key for Mikel Arteta

Arsenal’s predicted line-up for 2025-26 season opener v Manchester United

Arteta is under pressure to deliver a trophy next season and the Premier League title is right at the top of the club’s wish list having not achieved the feat since 2004.

Declan Rice secured a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford last season and the club will need to ensure they hit the ground running at the start of the 2025-26 season.

Gabriel Magalhaes expects to return for pre-season following surgery on his hamstring injury, however, there still remain doubts over when Jurrien Timber will recover from ankle surgery.

Martin Zubimendi’s imminent arrival means he starts the season opener at the base of midfield with Thomas Partey edging closer to an Arsenal exit.

Despite the ongoing search for a winger, Gabriel Martinelli showed encouraging signs at the end of the last campaign that he is getting back to his best and takes his place on the left wing.

Benjamin Sesko wants to join Arsenal and despite current frustrations in negotiations with RB Leipzig, Berta will be confident of getting his man and for the Slovenian to lead the attack.

Mikel Arteta’s final Arsenal team of the 2024-25 season

The Gunners could look a lot different to the side that beat Southampton 2-1 on the final day of a disappointing last campaign.

Arteta handed rare starts to the likes of Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko, whilst Hale End star Ethan Nwaneri was also used in the number ten role.

Raheem Sterling has returned to Chelsea following his loan spell in North London and there is still uncertainty over the future of Jakub Kiwior.

Arsenal’s opening day eleven against Manchester United will look very different to how they ended the 2024-2025 season.