Preseason is finally over. Crystal Palace’s community shield win over Liverpool signaled the beginning of the 2025/26 season for English clubs. Tonight, Liverpool would begin the defense of their title with Bournemouth as visitors at Anfield. The biggest game of the game week comes on Sunday with Arsenal travelling to Manchester United.

Arsenal wrapped up their preseason with a 3-0 win over Athletic Club Bilbao in the Emirates Cup with goals from new signing Viktor Gyokeres, starboy Bukayo Saka and substitute Kai Havertz. It was the last of 5 preseason matches played by Arsenal in preparation of the season.

Arsenal’s preseason started with a 1-0 win over AC Milan in Singapore, before a 3-2 victory over Newcastle in the Asia Tour. The Gunners lost 1-0 to Tottenham in Hong Kong before losing to Villareal 3-2 at the Emirates. 3 wins and 2 loses, Arteta has his work cut out in preparation of the trip to Manchester.

Arteta & Berta have made 6 signings so far – Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Cristhian Mosquera, Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres. We have had the following players leave the Gunners over the transfer window – Thomas Partey, Jorginho, Kieran Tierny, Tomiyasu, Neto.

The United game is the first of Arsenal’s tough start to the season which includes a trip to the Champions in game week 3, City by game week 5, Newcastle by game week 6. If Arsenal pick good points from the first 6 League matches, then they can dare to dream.

A 6-match lookahead looks far. How would Arteta set up for United? It is likely that he makes little or no changes to the starting XI that defeated Bilbao at the Emirates Cup

Raya, Calafiori, Gabriel, Saliba, Timber, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard, Martinelli, Gyokeres, Saka

At the back, there is a case for Lewis-Skelly on the left and Ben White on the right. MLS is a faster and better defender and considering that United have fortified their attack, his attributes may be required to see off challenges from Cunha and/or Mbeumo. Timber had his first start of the preseason in the last game. Does that give White the nod on the right?

With Trossard out, we expect Martinelli to start and get replaced by Madueke in the second half. Kai Havertz & Ethan Nwaneri should have a go in the 2nd half. Will we see Max Dowman at Old Trafford. He was a reliable deputy for Bukayo in the preseason.

Predictions
– Arsenal to win 2-1 at Manchester United with Gyokeres one of the goal scorers
– Arsenal to finish in the top 2, hopefully as winners. If we get in Eze, Arsenal will win the Premier League.
– Gyokeres to finish amongst the top 3 scorers in the League

Anyways, preseason is over. A new season is here. Here we go!