Arsenal vs Manchester United

The "Main Event" of the weekend takes place at the Emirates Stadium today, Sunday, January 25, 2026, as league leaders Arsenal host a rejuvenated Manchester United. Kick-off is scheduled for 16:30 GMT (11:30 ET).

This is a season-defining moment for both clubs. Arsenal sits at the top of the table with 50 points, four points clear of Manchester City. After two consecutive goalless draws in the league, Mikel Arteta’s side needs a win to maintain their momentum toward a first title in 22 years. Manchester United, currently in 5th place (35 points), is looking to prove that last week’s 2–0 derby win over City was the start of a new era under interim boss Michael Carrick.

Match Information

Arsenal: Finding the Finishing Touch

Despite their lead at the top, the Gunners have hit a slight domestic dry spell, failing to score in their last two Premier League outings against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. However, a clinical 3–1 midweek win over Inter Milan in the Champions League has restored confidence in the camp.

Team News and Selection:

• Double Defensive Boost: Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapié both returned to full training this week and are in contention to start. Their return allows Jurrien Timber to move back to his preferred right flank.

• The Havertz Doubt: Kai Havertz is battling a knee flare-up. While he is expected to be in the squad, Mikel Arteta noted his fitness needs "managing," making a start unlikely.

• Striker Battle: Viktor Gyökeres is expected to return to the starting XI, though Gabriel Jesus is pushing for a start after scoring a brace in Milan on Tuesday.

• Predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard.

Manchester United: The Carrick Bounce

Interim manager Michael Carrick has wasted no time in making his mark, leading United to a dominant victory over Manchester City in his first game in charge. The Red Devils appear to have found a new tactical identity, leading the league in shots over the last fortnight.

Team News and Selection:

• The Keeper Question: Ar'jany Lammens is expected to continue in goal following his clean sheet in the derby.

• AFCON Returns: Noussair Mazraoui is back from international duty with Morocco and available for selection. Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo are also fully integrated back into the squad.

• Absences: United will be without Matthijs de Ligt (back injury) and Joshua Zirkzee (medical issue), both of whom are ruled out until February.

• Key Man: Bruno Fernandes remains the heartbeat of the side, having created a league-high 62 chances so far this season.

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martínez, Shaw; Mainoo, Casemiro; Diallo, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo.

? Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats

• The "Emirates Hoodoo": Manchester United has lost on their last four visits to the Emirates Stadium. Their last league win in North London came in 2017.

• Defensive Supremacy: Arsenal has the best defensive record in the league, conceding only 14 goals in 22 matches.

• Goal Drought Danger: Arsenal hasn't gone three consecutive Premier League games without a goal since 2012.

• Winning Streak: United is looking to secure back-to-back league wins for the first time since November.

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

Mikel Arteta will demand a fast start to break the "goalless" tension of recent weeks. The battle in midfield between Martin Ødegaard and United’s Kobbie Mainoo will be fascinating, as Arsenal looks to control possession and isolate Lamine Yamal (if utilized) or Bukayo Saka against United's full-backs.

For United, Carrick’s 4-2-3-1 relies on the clinical counter-attacking threat of Bryan Mbeumo and the creative vision of Fernandes. If United can withstand the initial Arsenal pressure—which has been their undoing in previous visits—they have the pace to hurt the Gunners on the break. However, Arsenal’s home record and defensive solidity make them the heavy favorites.

Final Score Prediction: Arsenal 2–1 Manchester United