Matchday is here, and the Premier League is back with a bang! All eyes are on Old Trafford as Manchester United welcomes Arsenal for a highly anticipated clash, while down in London, Chelsea kicks off their campaign against Crystal Palace. Here's a look at the buildup to these matches and other important news from around the league.
Manchester United vs. Arsenal
The Red Devils and the Gunners clash in their opening match of the 2025-2026 Premier League season on Sunday afternoon. Both teams are looking to improve on frustrating campaigns last year. Arsenal finished second in the Premier League but experienced semi-final defeats in both the Champions League and Carabao Cup. Manchester United had a difficult season, finishing 15th and losing in the Europa League final.
New signings are expected to feature prominently for Manchester United. Manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed that Andre Onana and Joshua Zirkzee have recovered from pre-season injuries and are available. Benjamin Sesko, recently signed from RB Leipzig, is also in contention to make his debut. Amorim will be without Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui in defence. Manchester United's predicted lineup is Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha; and Šeško.
Arsenal will be without Gabriel Jesus due to a knee injury. However, new signings Viktor Gyökeres and Martin Zubimendi are fit and available. Leandro Trossard is also expected to be available despite a minor groin issue. Arsenal's predicted lineup is Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, and Martinelli.
The last two meetings between these clubs ended in 1-1 draws. Manchester United has not defeated Arsenal since December 2022. Arsenal is favored to win, considering they finished 13 places higher than Manchester United last season.
Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace
Chelsea hosts Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge to begin their Premier League campaign. Chelsea enters the match as the Club World Cup winner. Crystal Palace arrives fresh off a Community Shield victory against Liverpool.
Chelsea will be without Levi Colwill due to an ACL injury and Nicolas Jackson due to suspension. Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana are available for selection. Tosin Adarabioyo may miss out due to an injury sustained in training. New signings Estevao and Pedro may make their Premier League debuts. Chelsea is undefeated in their last 16 meetings against Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace will be without Eddie Nketiah and Daichi Kamada due to injuries. Eberechi Eze is potentially leaving to Tottenham. Crystal Palace's predicted lineup is Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Muñoz, Hughes, Wharton, Mitchell; Sarr, Eze; and Mateta.
Chelsea is favored to win, given their squad depth and historical dominance in this fixture. However, Crystal Palace's recent form and attacking talent could make for a competitive match.
Around the Premier League
In other Premier League news, Liverpool rallied to defeat Bournemouth 4-2. Sunderland marked their return to the Premier League with a 3-0 victory over West Ham. Manchester City defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers, with new signing Tijjani Reijnders starring. Brentford completed the signing of Dango Ouattara for a club-record fee. Nottingham Forest signed Ipswich winger Hutchinson.
