Arsenal vs Leeds preview: How to watch, predicted lineups, score prediction & injury updates

Arsenal Predicted Lineup

Arsenal: Leno; Bellerin, Holding, Gabriel, Cedric; Ceballos, Xhaka, Smith Rowe; Saka, Lacazette, Pepe

Leeds: Meslier; Ayling, Struijk, Cooper, Alioski; Raphinha, Dallas, Phillips, Klich, Harrison; Bamford

Arsenal vs Leeds Score Prediction

Arsenal should not have left Elland Road with a point in the reverse fixture this season. From start to finish they were torn apart by a blistering Leeds side, who struck the frame of the goal four times and were stopped by Leno on a number of occasions.

Nicolas Pepe‘s red card could have been to Arsenal’s benefit in hindsight, as the Gunners dropped deeper and put every man behind the ball. Yet even with that in mind, a few licks of paint were all that stopped it being a hammering.

Since then, the Gunners are a better defensive unit, provide more protection to the back four, create openings more fluently and move swifter through the thirds. Emile Smith Rowe’s involvement has played a major part and so too has the addition of variety in attacking phases, so pre-match reflections on the previous meeting can be put to one side.

Leeds won’t stray from their usual high-octane approach. They will keep men pushed up in the attacking third, cut off all supply lines and stretch the game enough to allow Phillips – if he’s fit – all the time he needs to get his head up and spray passes.

To beat this Leeds team you need either to match their intensity, get some luck or utilise your opportunities when breaking their high press. The latter is a nut Arsenal haven’t been able crack. When on top in matches they’re either not ruthless enough or lacking the killer pass.

Winning on Sunday will hinge on the Gunners using their inevitable man advantage when Leeds press high. Pace and quickness of thought will be vital to making those opportunities more threatening. Stopping the hugely impressive Raphinha would be helpful, too.

If they can crack the final 5-10% of their play up until the last motion, then Arsenal stand a decent chance. Can it all come together? Without Partey to navigate his way through the Leeds onslaught, it’ll be a struggle.

Score Prediction: Arsenal 1-2 Leeds