Preview and Prediction
This encounter between Arsenal and Leeds United may not be about winning the title or competing for Champions League berth. Yet, it is as exciting as any other clash in the top four, despite both sides are sitting in the mid table. The Gunners are sitting on the eleventh, just one point and game below Marcelo Bielsa’s men.
The teams’ updated news
Arsenal slumped to another defeat again on the road last weekend. This time they were beaten by Aston Villa 1-0. A single early tap by Ollie Watkins found the back of the net. They could have scored more if The Gunners’ second goalkeeper, Matt Ryan made a number of crucial saves.
The Whites, on the other hand, continued their positive trend last weekend. They smashed Crystal Palace 2-0 at their home turf. Jack Harrison’s blast hit the back of the net while Patrick Bamford tucked it away at the second half.
Possible tactic
Mikel Arteta’s positive period was over. His team is now being tested again for consistency. His 4-2-3-1 turned ineffective in their last two outings. The Spaniard needs to optimise their new signing Martin Odegaard for more attacking options as Emile Smith Rowe’s form is in stagnancy. The former Guardiola’s assistant could improvise with 4-3-2-1 by deploying the Norwegian international alongside Nicolas Pepe behind Pierre Aubameyang. In the midfield, Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos will be accompanied by Bukayo Saka. The only notable names on their injury table are Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney while Bernd Leno and David Luiz are suspended.
Marcelo Bielsa will still be in favour of 4-1-4-1. Unfortunately, several names will have to sit out of this game such as Rodrigo Moreno, Diego Llorente, Kalvin Phillips and Robin Koch. Thus, Mateusz Klich is likely to take over the defensive midfielder post as Kalvin Phillips’s cover while The rest of starting IX is expected to be the same.
Players to watch
The Ivorian Nicolas Pepe managed to do well in Aubameyang’s absence. He has netted four goals this season. Meanwhile, Alexandre Lacazette has notched up eight goals and two asisists so far. Another key man to watch is the youngster Bukayo Saka.
Leeds’s goalscorer Patrick Bamford has been deadly in the six-yard box. He has bagged 12 goal plus five assists this season. Some other impressive figures in the squad are Raphinha, Stuart Dallas and Jack Harrison.
Arsenal vs Leeds Prediction
Patrick Bamford and Co’s campaign to at least reach the top ten of the table seems plausible. Yet, the end is still long and consistency would be the key here. They have the chance to stumble Arsenal. Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta’s men need to be really careful when dealing with Leeds’ explosive attack. Unless, Arsenal can not hold them, they will be in trouble.
Betting odds
According to the punters, the odds for draw result are the highest, at 3/1. Meanwhile, Granit Xhaka and Co are backed to win at 8/9, whereas Leeds’ win market is at 17/5.
