Agbonlahor Predicts Arsenal Will Struggle Early in 2025/26 EPL Season, Claims They’ll Only Snatch 7 Points from First 6 Games

Gabriel Agbonlahor has delivered a bleak forecast for Arsenal’s start to the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, predicting the Gunners will collect just seven points from a brutal opening six-match run. The former Aston Villa striker aired his views on talkSPORT following the release of the new season’s fixtures on June 18, 2025.

Arsenal begin their campaign with a high-stakes trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United, before hosting newly promoted Leeds United. The North London side then brace for a trio of high-pressure fixtures—Liverpool away, Nottingham Forest at the Emirates, and title holders Manchester City at home—before concluding the run with a visit to St James’ Park to battle Newcastle United.

Agbonlahor believes the fixture list is unforgiving and could see Arsenal stumbling out of the blocks. “Man United away is never easy on the opening weekend, so I see a draw. Leeds at home, that’s a win, but Liverpool away? Loss. Forest at home? Narrow win. Then you’ve got Man City—loss. Newcastle away—they don’t do well there, another loss,” he said on live radio.

Summing up his prediction, Agbonlahor expects Arsenal to gather just 7 points out of a possible 18—a start that could put Mikel Arteta’s team under pressure early in the season. “It wouldn’t be a great start for them, especially after finishing second last season. Expectations are higher now,” he added.

Arsenal ended the 2024/25 campaign as runners-up, four points behind Liverpool, and were tipped to push for the title this season. The summer has seen Arsenal move swiftly in the transfer market, with reinforcements expected to strengthen their midfield and forward line before August.

The Gunners faithful, who witnessed a title race that went down to the final week last season, are hoping for a flying start to mount another serious challenge. But with matches against three traditional top-six sides within the first six games, Agbonlahor’s words could serve as a reality check.

Arsenal will kick off the season on August 17, 2025, at Old Trafford. The Premier League’s full fixture list was released by the FA on June 18, setting off waves of analysis, predictions, and debates from pundits and fans alike. With Arteta entering his sixth season in charge, the spotlight will be on how the team handles pressure from day one.