The new English Premier League season kicks off on Saturday morning (Malaysian time), when Liverpool starts its defence of the title with a home game against Bournemouth.
However, all eyes will be on Old Trafford on Sunday (11.30pm), where a revitalised Manchester United hosts Arsenal in the biggest match of the weekend.
This weekend’s match marks the 245th meeting between Manchester United and Arsenal. United has the edge, with 101 wins to Arsenal’s 90. There have been 55 draws.
United, which scored just 44 goals in 38 league games last season, has bolstered its attack with £200 million in new signings – Matheus Cunha (Wolves), Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford) and Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig). The trio scored 58 goals between them last season.
However, the new players have yet to be fully integrated into the team. Reports suggest United midfielder Mason Mount (image) may play in the ‘false nine’ role against the possession-hungry Gunners.
Mount has finally put his injury problems behind him, and if he can recapture his form from his Chelsea days, he will surely be one of United’s key players this season.
He was outstanding in pre-season and looks capable of staying in the first XI this season.
United boss Ruben Amorim may also want more defensive cover out wide against Arsenal, suggesting he could start Diogo Dalot on the right in place of the more attacking Amad Diallo.
As for Arsenal, it has finally signed a striker in Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish forward netted an astonishing 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting Lisbon last season and will be eager to prove himself in the more competitive Premier League.
Arsenal also completed the signing of the much-sought-after Martín Zubimendi to add steel to its midfield.
Mikel Arteta knows this could be his final chance to lead the Gunners to glory, and he will surely pull out all the stops to ensure he finally gets his hands on the Premier League trophy.
Having finished runner-up for the past three seasons, Arsenal is confident this could finally be the year to end a 23-year title drought.
Liverpool, which has invested heavily in the squad, remains the bookies’ favourite to win the title (38 per cent), but Arsenal is the second favourite (30.8 per cent), with Manchester City third (23.1 per cent). Chelsea (11.1 per cent) and Manchester United (4.3 per cent) round off the top five.
Fixtures (Malaysian time)
Aug 16
Liverpool vs Bournemouth (3am)
Aston Villa vs Newcastle (7.30pm)
Brighton vs Fulham (10pm)
Sunderland vs West Ham (10pm)
Tottenham vs Burnley (10pm)
Aug 17
Wolves vs Manchester City (12.30am)
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace (9pm)
Nottingham Forest vs Brentford (9pm)
Manchester United vs Arsenal (11.30pm)
Aug 19
Leeds vs Everton (3am)
Main image: Mason Mount / Facebook
