Arsenal, Manchester United, and others prepare for Premier League season opener

The Guardian Sport2 min read • Latest: Aug 20, 2026, 11:01 PM

Last updated Aug 20, 2026

Arsenal, Manchester United, and others prepare for Premier League season opener
Summary

The Premier League is set to kick off this weekend, with several key matches. Arsenal faces Coventry City at home on Friday, while Manchester United travels to Hull City on Saturday. Arsenal is considering a loan for Ethan Nwaneri to secure regular playing time, as he is not expected to feature in the opener. Additionally, discussions continue regarding the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus. Other matches include Ipswich Town against Sunderland and Nottingham Forest hosting Leeds on Saturday.

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Status Watch
  • Arsenal faces Coventry City on Friday at 8pm BST.
  • Manchester United plays Hull City on Saturday at 12.30pm BST.
  • Ethan Nwaneri likely to be loaned out for playing time.
  • Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus' futures are uncertain.
  • Ipswich Town hosts Sunderland on Saturday.
Latest Updates
  • 11:01 PMThe Guardian SportPremier League: 10 things to look out for as the new season kicks off
What they're saying
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Manchester United’s new-look midfield, Ipswich’s ambition is tested and Kevin Keegan tributes at Newcastle While Myles Lewis-Skelly looks likely to remain at the Emirates, the same can’t be said for Ethan Nwaneri. The 19-year-old was outstanding in his breakthrough season for Arsenal in 2024-25 but barely featured last season and was sent on loan to Marseille. That didn’t really work out and Arsenal are now exploring another temporary move to ensure Nwaneri gets regular football this season. Milan, RB Leipzig, Dortmund and Fulham are all thought to be interested, with Nwaneri unlikely to feature on the bench for Friday’s opener against Coventry as a result. Whether Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus are available remains to be seen as Arsenal attempt to find suitors for the Brazil duo. Ed Aarons Arsenal v Coventry City, Friday 8pm (all times BST) Hull City v Manchester United, Saturday 12.30pm Ipswich Town v Sunderland, Saturday 3pm Nottingham Forest v Leeds, Saturday 3pm Brighton v Aston Villa, Sunday 2pm Manchester City v Bournemouth, Sunday 2pm Continue reading...

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