The opening weekend of the Premier League brings us an epic clash as Manchester United kick off their 2025-26 campaign by hosting Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The Red Devils have spent big this summer, and Ruben Amorim is hoping to replicate his second-year success at Sporting. The Gunners are a popular pick to win the title, but Mikel Arteta’s side have won just twice in their last 18 league visits to Old Trafford.
My Man United vs. Arsenal predictions explain why set pieces will be a key to the Gunners' attack in our free betting picks for Sunday, August 17.
Premier League predictions for Man United vs Arsenal
My Man United vs Arsenal best bet: Arsenal Over 6 corners (+150 at bet365)
The amount of time and effort Arsenal put into their set-piece routines is well noted, and they have often been their best method of attack. And against Manchester United, a side that struggled often to defend set pieces last season, it’s an outcome they happily welcome.
And while the addition of Viktor Gyokeres will likely allow the Gunners more chances to score from open play, his 6’2” frame is also just another aerial weapon in the box when the ball is set down at the corner flag. His first goal for the club in the preseason, against Athletic Club, came via a header.
While it didn’t come directly from a corner, the goal came moments after the initial corner was cleared out wide and recycled with another cross from Martin Zubimendi. It was one of six corner kicks that Arsenal earned on the day.
In their five preseason fixtures, the Gunners had at least six corner kicks in each one. Against Tottenham in a 1-0 defeat, they attempted 13 corners, and they notched 14 in a 1-0 win over AC Milan to begin the preseason.
But last year, against Manchester United — whom they faced three times — the fewest corners they attempted were nine. They attempted a staggering 34 corners across the three fixtures, compared to only four for the Red Devils.
Manchester United have added quite a bit of firepower to their attack this offseason, but the midfield is still an area of great concern. That’s why they’ve played a much more compact shape during their friendlies, and are likely to do so again here.
Ruben Amorim has shown a pragmatic approach vs Big 6 clubs in his time at Man United, and conceding corners was a part of that. He was in charge of all three meetings with Arsenal, so expecting him to set up much differently is unexpected. Man United will look to absorb pressure and hit on the counter-attack.
It would be easy to take Arsenal’s corner total to top 5.5 at -120 odds, but fortune favors the bold. And a price of +150 for a seventh corner is far too good to pass up. Jump on this number before it goes down.
For those feeling even braver, this is a terrific opportunity to ladder at smaller amounts. I will be climbing that ladder up to 10 corners for the Gunners, which pays out handsomely at +700.
Man United vs Arsenal same-game parlay (SGP)
Arsenal Over 6 corners
Under 3.5 goals
Declan Rice to score or assist
Declan Rice will be taking corner kicks from the right side and is also involved in free kicks for the Gunners. In addition, he’s a 6’1” midfielder who will be given license to push into the box with the addition of Martin Zubimendi.
Man United struggled in the preseason with players running through their midfield, and Rice is the kind of player whose runs can cause serious danger. If Arsenal are getting plenty of corners, then the odds of Rice either scoring or assisting get a correlated boost.
The last four competitive fixtures between these sides have all seen fewer than three goals scored. In fact, there have been no more than two goals scored in any of Man United’s last six matches against Big 6 clubs under Amorim.
The Red Devils will want to get a positive result here as they protect against the frailties of their midfield, and Arsenal’s defense is well-suited to handle their counterattacks. This feels like a cagey affair that ends with a 1-0 or 2-1 scoreline.
Man United vs Arsenal odds
Man United vs Arsenal live odds
Man United vs Arsenal opening odds
- Moneyline: Man United +320 | Arsenal -115
- Draw: +280
- Over/Under: Over 2.5 (-128) | Under 2.5 (+100)
How to watch Man United vs Arsenal
| Location | Old Trafford, Manchester, England |
| Date | Sunday, August 17, 2025 |
| Time | 11:30 a.m. ET |
| TV | FUBOTV |
| Weather | 77 F, wind 7-17 mph, 0% PoP |
 Recent EPL form |
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 Recent EPL form |
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Man United vs Arsenal key injuries
Man United: Ayden Heaven D (Doubtful), Andre Onana GK (Probable), Joshua Zirkzee F (Probable), Lisandro Martinez D (Out), Noussair Mazraoui D (Out).
Arsenal: Gabriel Jesus F (Out), Leandro Trossard M (Questionable).
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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