Manchester United vs. Arsenal Picks and Predictions (8/17): Classic Matchup at Old Trafford
Written by: Nate Hornung
Last Update: Tue Sep 02, 2025, 3:12 pm ET
Read Time: 4 minutes
EPL
The English Premier League continues it's first weekend of action for the 2025-2026 season, and Sunday brings us a classic match between two of the most historic clubs in this league. Manchester United kick off their EPL campaign by hosting the Arsenal Gunners at Old Trafford. This could be appointment television, as it is the most exciting match of the first weekend in my eyes. Let's get into our favorite picks.
Check out the best odds on the market at our top online sportsbooks.
Manchester United vs. Arsenal English Premier League Betting Odds
Bruno Fernandes and Manchester United need a better EPL season this year
These are two of the most decorated clubs in all of European football, let alone in England, but the hosts are looking to get back to being a force in this league. Manchester United finished No. 15 in the EPL last season, posting an 11-9-18 (W-D-L) record and a -10 goal differential.
However, they made it all the way to the UEFA Europa League Final, losing to domestic foe, Tottenham Hotspur, thus missing their long shot into this upcoming Champions League season. Regardless, they want to get back to form this year.
But Arsenal are a tough opponent. They finished second last year, they improved this offseason, and are looking to lift the EPL trophy for the first time in two decades. That all starts on the road at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Matchup Information – Manchester United vs. Arsenal – August 17
- Venue & Location: Old Trafford (Manchester, England)
- Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025
- Kick Off: 11:30 a.m. Eastern
- Broadcast: NBC/Peacock
Odds are courtesy of our friends at BetOnline. Sign up today with Promo Code FREE250 for a 50% deposit bonus up to $250 AND 100 Free Spins at the online casino.
Moneyline
- Manchester United +293
- Draw +282
- Arsenal -108
Draw No Bet
- Manchester United +200
- Arsenal -260
Total
- Over 2.5 (-125)
- Under 2.5 (-105)
I want to back Arsenal. They are my pick to win the EPL this season at +250, and I am very excited about the signing of Viktor Gyökeres, who should be an immediate offensive impact.
However, I see no value on the Gunners priced as this big of a favorite on the road, and I'd argue the value is on Manchester United Double Chance or Draw No Bet if you're feeling frisky. But for me, I'll take a stab at the total.
Manchester United vs. Arsenal English Premier League Picks
Kai Havertz and Arsenal begin their EPL campaign at Old Trafford
Best Bet: Under 2.5 (-105) BetOnline
Typically I'd want plus money for this wager, but I think we see a low scoring contest between these two teams. Arsenal had the best defense in the EPL by far last season, giving up less than one goal per match and ranking No. 2 with 13 shutouts. We've seen two total goals in three straight matches between these clubs, and it's stayed under 2.5 in four of the last five as well.
Again, my lean is with Arsenal to squeak out a win on the road, likely 1-0 in my opinion. I do not see them running away with this one on the road, as Manchester United will certainly at least bring their pride. They played to a 1-1 draw in March at Old Trafford, with Arsenal finding a 74′ minute equalizer.
This time around, I think Manchester United plays as conservative as they need to in order to limit the Gunners' chances, and maybe try to break away for a cheeky winner late in the match.
Whether Arsenal wins 1-0 or 2-0, or if we see a 1-1 draw, this match stays under this 2.5 total for us.
Prediction: Arsenal Wins 1-0 (+800)
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Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.
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