2025/26 Premier League MW23 Arsenal vs. Man Utd Preview: Can the Gunners extend their win streak against the Red Devils? January 22, 2026 by Marc Jerbs
Arsenal welcome Manchester United to Emirates Stadium on Sunday, January 25, as the two English giants collide in a marquee Matchweek 23 fixture of the 2025–26 Premier League season. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:30 PM GMT, with exclusive live coverage available on Peacock.
Team Form & League Position
Arsenal - enter the weekend sitting top of the Premier League table with 50 points from 22 matches (15 wins, 5 draws, 2 losses), averaging an impressive 2.27 points per game. Mikel Arteta's side has been nearly flawless at home, boasting a 9-2-0 record at the Emirates and collecting 29 points on their own turf.
Their recent form underlines that dominance: four wins and two draws in their last six league outings. Arsenal's underlying numbers further reinforce their title credentials, with one of the league's best non-penalty xG differentials—approximately 1.73 xG created per match while conceding just 0.89 xG.
Over their last ten league games, the Gunners are averaging 2.5 goals scored and 0.77 conceded, while at home they score 2.50 goals per match, well above the league average. They have found the net in nine of their last ten matches and in 14 of their last 17 overall, with a strong defensive record contributing to a low BTTS rate at the Emirates.
Manchester United - Manchester United's campaign has been more uneven, defined by flashes of attacking quality and persistent defensive concerns. Their xG numbers reflect that imbalance, with attacking output hovering in the mid-1s per match while conceding significantly more than Arsenal.
United are currently projected to finish sixth, with around 56 points, which would secure a return to European competition after a turbulent prior season. Their recent form shows two wins, three draws, and one loss in their last six matches. Defensively, there has been some tightening, with BTTS landing in four of their last five games, while only two of those five went over 2.5 goals.
Michael Carrick, appointed head coach until the end of the season, began his tenure with a statement 2–0 win over Manchester City, offering renewed optimism among the United fanbase.
Head-to-Head History
Arsenal have enjoyed the upper hand in recent league meetings with Manchester United, winning the last two Premier League encounters between the sides. At the Emirates, the Gunners have been particularly strong in this fixture, regularly controlling possession and limiting United's chances.
Historically, this matchup has produced iconic moments and high drama, but recent trends suggest Arsenal have edged ahead—both in results and underlying performance metrics—heading into this latest chapter of the rivalry.
Injuries & Team News
Arsenal's first-half 2025–26 squad was officially submitted on September 12, 2025, with detailed appearance, goal, and assist data available through league channels.
For Manchester United, the 2025–26 campaign marks their 34th Premier League season and 51st consecutive year in England's top flight. Notably, this is the first season since 1992–93 in which United do not have a Premier League winner in the squad, following Jonny Evans' retirement. It also marks the first time since 1974 that no current player has worked under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Final Thought
With Arsenal's relentless home form and statistical superiority colliding with a Manchester United side still finding consistency under new leadership, this fixture feels pivotal for both clubs. For Arsenal, it's a chance to tighten their grip on the title race; for United, it's a measuring stick against the league's best. If recent trends hold, the Gunners will fancy their chances—but derbies of this magnitude rarely follow the script.
2025-26 Premier League Table
| # | CLUB | W | D | L | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 15 | 5 | 2 | 50 |
| 2 | Manchester City | 13 | 4 | 5 | 43 |
| 3 | Aston Villa | 13 | 4 | 5 | 43 |
| 4 | Liverpool | 10 | 6 | 6 | 36 |
| 5 | Manchester United | 9 | 8 | 5 | 35 |
| 6 | Chelsea | 9 | 7 | 6 | 34 |
| 7 | Brentford | 10 | 3 | 9 | 33 |
| 8 | Newcastle United | 9 | 6 | 7 | 33 |
| 9 | Sunderland | 8 | 9 | 5 | 33 |
| 10 | Everton | 9 | 5 | 8 | 32 |
| 11 | Fulham | 9 | 4 | 9 | 31 |
| 12 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 7 | 9 | 6 | 30 |
| 13 | Crystal Palace | 7 | 7 | 8 | 28 |
| 14 | Tottenham Hotspur | 7 | 6 | 9 | 27 |
| 15 | Bournemouth | 6 | 9 | 7 | 27 |
| 16 | Leeds United | 6 | 7 | 9 | 25 |
| 17 | Nottingham Forest | 6 | 4 | 12 | 22 |
| 18 | West Ham United | 4 | 5 | 13 | 17 |
| 19 | Burnley | 3 | 5 | 14 | 14 |
| 20 | Wolves | 1 | 5 | 16 | 8 |
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