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Predicted Arsenal XI vs Leeds: Saliba out; Partey starts

By James Cormack

LISBON, PORTUGAL - MARCH 09: William Saliba of Arsenal FC thanks the supporters in the stands after the UEFA Europa League round of 16 leg one match between Sporting CP and Arsenal FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on March 9, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
LISBON, PORTUGAL - MARCH 09: William Saliba of Arsenal FC thanks the supporters in the stands after the UEFA Europa League round of 16 leg one match between Sporting CP and Arsenal FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on March 9, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images) /
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How are your nerves, Gooners?

Arsenal’s final stretch of the 2022/23 season begins on Saturday afternoon as they host Javi Gracia’s Leeds at the Emirates. The Gunners currently boast an eight-point advantage over closest rivals Man City at the top of the table, and victory at the weekend will see them extend their winning run in the league to seven games.

Mikel Arteta’s squad returned from the March international break unscathed ahead of the final quarter of the campaign, but the Spaniard does have a few injuries to consider. However, his woes are incomparable to his counterpart’s on Saturday. Leeds will be without several key players for their trip to north London.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Leeds

Here’s how Arteta could line his Arsenal side up against Leeds this weekend.

https://twitter.com/TikiTakaConnor/status/1641392405613096960

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – No minutes for Rambo over the break, but he’ll be ready to line up between the sticks on Saturday.

Ben White (RB) – With Takehiro Tomiyasu set to miss the rest of the season, it’ll be Ben White or bust until the campaign’s conclusion at right-back.

Rob Holding (CB) – Saliba’s back injury is set to keep him out of Leeds’ visit (he missed training on Thursday) and Holding should make his second consecutive Premier League start.

Gabriel (CB) – A certainty.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – Kieran Tierney trained on Thursday, so he should be available for the weekend’s game. However, he’s not going to usurp Zinchenko in Mikel’s team down the stretch.

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (DM) – Partey picked up a minor issue over the break, but it shouldn’t see him miss any time. The midfielder trained on Thursday and will be available on Saturday.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – Arteta’s iron man is poised to make yet another start in midfield.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – The Norwegian brushed off Rodri’s nasty tackle and has returned to north London in fine shape. The skipper starts this weekend.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – Saka was the match-winner in the reverse fixture, and he enjoyed a productive international break as he scored in England’s 2-0 victory over Ukraine. He may well be the best winger in the world right now.

Leandro Trossard (ST) – Gabriel Jesus may be close to 100% fitness, but Trossard doesn’t deserve to lose his place.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – Trossard’s utilisation in a central position has brought the very best out of Martinelli. There’s no chance he’s dropped for this one after enjoying a productive run before the break.