Arsenal predicted lineup vs Leeds: White & Sambi in?

Arsenal face the first of their final four matches of the season on Sunday as they host Jesse Marsch’s struggling Leeds United at the Emirates. Here is the predicted lineup.

From the jaws of collapse comes hope. Having lost three winnable games on the spin in the Premier League, Arsenal went on to claim three straight wins in the tougher fixtures on the calendar.

Doing so with a patched up team containing a few Arsene Wenger era players, Mikel Arteta once again has some interesting selection decisions to make for weekend.

The manager discussed Benjamin White’s availability after the central defender missed out entirely in the 2-1 win over West Ham with a tight hamstring, stating that he’s in contention but needs to get through Saturday’s training. If unavailable it will likely be Rob Holding to come back into the side.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Leeds: Benjamin White back from injury and Albert Sambi Lokonga into midfield alongside Granit Xhaka?

Takehiro Tomiyasu was another scare from that game despite making his long-awaited return to the starting lineup, eventually leaving the field clutching his calf. Arteta allayed initial fears and suggested it was due to the amount of games he’s missed, so he should be back.

For the second game running Bukayo Saka also had to leave the field of play, something that Arteta also suggested was cramp, while he’s been carrying an injury of late. Indications are he will be OK, but it is slightly concerning.

Given Arsenal are at home and the onus is on them to attack, could there be a return in midfield for Sambi Lokonga? Leeds no longer man mark and additional freedom centrally could call for a more forward thinking option in that area.

Equally, is there any reason for the manager to change a team on course for the Champions League? Martinelli had a mostly quiet game at West Ham but popped up with the crucial assist. Let’s get predicting.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – That save from Declan Rice’s header will have done Ramsdale the world of good. Lately it has seemed like every shot he’s faced has gone in.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (RB) – Arteta said it was just fatigue, and that Tomiyasu is OK. If Arsenal can squeeze another 70 minutes out of Tomiyasu before the derby it will be worth it.

Rob Holding (CB) – Even if White is feeling up to the task, it might be worth giving him an extended rest in order to ensure he’s as fit as he can be to face Spurs. That could be the thinking.

Gabriel (CB) – The highest scoring central defender in the Premier League this season isn’t getting left out of the team anytime soon.

Nuno Tavares (LB) – Another nightmarish performance from Nuno did improve as the West Ham game went on, which is the level he needs to maintain from the start in this match.

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