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Date of Tips: 21/01/2026
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (14:59 21/01/2026) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
Arsenal FC
v Manchester United FC 
Emirates Stadium
Premier League Matchday 23
25-01-2026 16:30
Arsenal Form
Man United Form
Sunday afternoon football doesn’t get much bigger than this. Arsenal host Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on January 25th, with akick-off at 16:30. This Arsenal vs Manchester United prediction digs into team news, likely lineups, and how these two actually match up right now, not on reputation alone. You’ve got Arsenal sitting at the top of the table, 7 points clear of 2nd and 3rd, whilst United are still finding their feet under new leadership.
Arsenal look like a team that knows exactly who they are. Mikel Arteta has built a side that plays with control and belief. They’re sharp, calm on the ball, and very hard to rattle at home.
Bukayo Saka is the obvious headline name. He’s one of the most reliable wide players in the league and usually the first-choice penalty taker when he’s on the pitch, and you’ll often see him standing over free-kicks from the right too. Declan Rice anchors everything.
Up top, Viktor Gyokeres gives Arsenal something different. Strong, aggressive, and always looking to run defenders into the ground. He’s not just there to finish moves either, he drags centre-backs around and creates space for others. Martin Ødegaard brings creativity, and if there’s a dangerous free-kick around the box, chances are he’s the one lining it up.
Manchester United are still adjusting under Michael Carrick, who aims to steady things after a turbulent run, and while the performances have improved, consistency remains the big question. This is still a Premier League heavyweight squad, packed with internationals, but it hasn’t fully clicked yet.
Bruno Fernandes is the heartbeat. Early thirties now, captain, and still the main creative outlet. He takes penalties and most direct free-kicks. Lisandro Martínez adds bite at the back. He’s not the tallest centre-back you’ll see, but he reads the game well and isn’t afraid of stepping into midfield to disrupt play.
Matheus Cunha brings energy and movement in attack. He likes dropping between the lines, running at defenders, and linking play rather than staying fixed up top. United are missing a couple of pieces through absence, but there’s enough quality here to ask questions if they get things right.
Arsenal: 4-3-3
Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, White, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard, Trossard, Saka, Gyokeres
Man United: 4-2-3-1
Lammens, Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw, Casemiro, Mainoo, Diallo, Fernandes, Mount, Mbeumo
One angle that keeps popping up is both teams getting on the scoresheet. Arsenal dominate at home, but United have enough attackers who can produce something even if they’re under pressure for long periods. If you’re looking for broader inspiration across the weekend, check out our daily football tips for more inspiration.
This feels like Arsenal’s game to lose. They’re settled, confident, and comfortable in these big home occasions. United arrive with belief after recent results, but belief alone doesn’t always survive ninety minutes at the Emirates.
Expect Arsenal to push early, force United deep, and test their defensive organisation. United will have spells, probably create chances, but over the course of the match Arsenal just look more complete.
Match Prediction: Arsenal to win. Bet with bet365.
A narrow home win makes the most sense. United rarely get completely blown away in these fixtures, even when they’re second best. Arsenal edging it by a single goal, with both sides contributing fits the pattern.
Correct Score Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United. Bet with bet365.
Goals should be on the menu. Arsenal’s attacking depth at home usually produces chances, while United’s individual quality means they don’t need many openings to score. This doesn’t feel like a cagey, low-tempo affair.
Over/Under Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
If you’re combining angles, consider Arsenal to win alongside goals at both ends. It reflects Arsenal’s overall control without ignoring United’s ability to strike back through moments of quality or from set-pieces. Adding Leandro Trossard to find the net makes for a well-rounded bet builder, especially with Arsenal expected to score a couple.
Bet Builder Tip: Arsenal to win, both teams to score, and Leandro Trossard to score anytime. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
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Visit our football previews & predictions page for more betting tips on upcoming matches.
Arsenal look better positioned going into this one, especially at home, but United should stay competitive.
Kick-off is at 16:30 UK time on Sunday, January 25th.
The match takes place at the Emirates Stadium in North London.
This is a Premier League fixture.