The 2025/26 campaign begins on Friday night with champions Liverpool hosting Bournemouth, but all eyes will be on Sunday’s blockbuster clash between Manchester United and Arsenal. ..Continue Reading
United, now under Ruben Amorim, are eager to show they’ve turned a corner after last season’s struggles, while Mikel Arteta is determined to launch a serious title bid after three consecutive second-place finishes.
With expectations rising and pressure mounting on Arteta to finally deliver major silverware, Merson insists Arsenal must start strong—and a win at Old Trafford is crucial, especially with tough fixtures looming that could derail their momentum early on.
The former England star told SportsKeeda: ‘This is a must-win game for Arsenal, it’s as simple as that! 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.
‘Viktor Gyokeres scored a brilliant header in pre-season. When Arsenal are under pressure in certain games, he will become a nuisance to opponents by running the channels and working the defenders. He’s a real presence in front of goal and you can count on him to cause problems to opponents.
‘I think Arsenal can win the league, if they can keep all their main players fit. I’d be shocked if Gyokeres, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard all play 35 games and arsenal still don’t win the Premier League. They are massive favourites if that happens.’
Labeling Arsenal as strong frontrunners over Liverpool and Manchester City—provided they avoid injuries—is a bold stance, but Paul Merson is firmly behind the team where he made his name.
He’s also confident they’ll secure a crucial win this weekend, predicting a 2-1 triumph for the Gunners at Old Trafford.
On the Stick to Football podcast, Manchester United icons Roy Keane and Gary Neville weighed in on the upcoming clash. Keane echoed Merson’s forecast, backing Arsenal to edge it 2-1.
Neville, however, is optimistic about a bright beginning for his old side, tipping United to kick off the season in style.
‘United are winning that,’ said Neville. ‘I’m going United, 2-1. I just think it’s a really bad game for Arsenal to get first up. I think it’s a challenging game for Arsenal first up.’
Alan Shearer has gone for another option, tipping a draw at Old Trafford this weekend.
The Premier League legend told Metro: ‘It’s wonderful for us to sit down on Sunday and watch two giants go head to head so early in the season. Tough one to call but I’ll go for a draw.
‘There’s always a surprise result on the opening weekend. I don’t know what a surprise result would be in this game. It’s so tough to call with so many interesting moving parts. Gyokores on one side, Sesko on the other.
‘Amorim and Gyokores know each other really well. Zubimendi may free up Declan Rice more, Man United have done really well in forward positions. It’s a tough one to call so early in the season. There’ll be needle at Old Trafford.’
