The Premier League released the fixture list for the 2025/26 campaign today. Arsenal and Manchester United’s first few games immediately stood out for their difficulty.
Arsenal and United, at first glance, have the toughest start to the new season. The stats also back that claim.
Interestingly, Arsenal and Manchester United face off at Old Trafford to start the season.
The Reds are the first team in Premier League history to kick off nine consecutive seasons with a home fixture.
This year’s opener also marks just the second time United will face Arsenal in their first league match of a campaign.
The only other occasion came in 1989/90 when the Reds mullered the Gunners 4-1 at Old Trafford.
United will have the upper hand. The three-time UEFA Champions League winners have lost just two of their last 18 Premier League home games against Arsenal (W10, D6).
Ruben Amorim’s side will be eager to secure a century of wins over Arsenal. United have beaten Arsenal 99 times across all competitions. Arsenal have won 90 times (D55).
However, it is worth noting that both defeats have been with Mikel Arteta in charge of the Gunners (1-0 in both November 2020 and May 2024).
Meanwhile, United will enter the 2025/26 campaign after their worst Premier League season. They finished 15th with 18 defeats, their most in a league term since 1973/74.
The bad news for Amorim and United is that they have been given the hardest start to the new Premier League season of any club.
The average Opta Power Rating of their opening five opponents is the highest.
After the home game against Arsenal, they face an away trip to Fulham and a home game versus newly promoted Burnley.
Matchday 4 sees them travel to the Etihad Stadium for the Manchester derby. To complete their tricky five-game opening run, they host Chelsea after.
It is also an equally challenging start to the new campaign for Arteta and Arsenal.
After falling short for three successive seasons, the Gunners open their season with a high-stakes clash against United at Old Trafford, followed by a tricky trip to Leeds United.
Things hardly ease up from there. Arsenal head to Anfield to face Liverpool on Matchday 3.
After hosting the 2024/25 surprise package, Nottingham Forest, they welcome Manchester City to the Emirates for Matchday 5.
Arteta knows his side must make an excellent start as they bid to end their 21-year wait for a Premier League title.
If the Spanish tactician can guide his side through this inferno, they will be stronger for it.
As for United, Amorim faces a torrid few games that will test his mettle. He needs the fans on his side with early results.
Amorim could be staring down the barrel if things do not go his way.
(All stats from Opta)