Arsenal vs Leeds predicted XI: Bring out the dead!

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal FC at Vitality Stadium on December 26, 2019 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal FC at Vitality Stadium on December 26, 2019 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Matteo Guendouzi
(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

Midfield

This is where things get interesting. Ideally, you want to give Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira a break, but that involves taking some serious defensive risks, as they are our two best defensive midfielders, like it or not.

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At the base of the midfield, we know we’ll see Matteo Guendouzi return to the fray. I didn’t know he could ever be out of form, but he has been lately, and that makes things particularly interesting, since, if Torreira is given the day off, Guendouzi will be the main man, the veteran of this midfield. At least in terms of experience level.

Next to him, I’m going to slot in Dani Ceballos. I wonder if Arteta might opt to start Torreria and bring on Ceballos when he feels it best, but call it optimism in seeing what Arteta can get out of Ceballos. As he’s returned form injury, I’m ready for him to be back.

Lastly, at No. 10, Joe Willock will get his return to action. Willock hasn’t been in the best form yet either, and his appearances have been slackening because of it, but Arteta will be wanting to get him back into the mix here in a side competition.

Finally, let’s get crafty with this attack.