The Gunners face off with newly promoted Leeds United in their first home game of this new Premier League season.
Both teams began the season with skinny 1-0 wins. Mikel Arteta earned his Gunners a smash and grab victory against Manchester United, Daniel Farke got his Leeds a 2-1 debut victory against Everton after a controversial handball call fell in their favour.
Match Preview
Arsenals visit to Old Trafford was no masterpiece of attacking football but as is so often the case in the last few years their set pieces did not steer them wrong. The pivotal finish made by Riccardo Calafiori followed indecisive goalkeeping by Altay Bayindir and this was a sixth win on the road by the Gunners to clinch the victory at United.
This was a record which showed the growing strength and character of Arteta in maintaining his team in the top four and in beating off the traditional Big Six. Nevertheless, their goal scoring is a problem area as Arsenal has won their last three games in the Premier League by only one goal. Indeed, the Gunners last won a league game at home by more goals than one in February in February when they whipped Manchester City 5-1.
Nevertheless, Arsenal has a huge history of success against the promoted, still. The longest unbeaten home run against such teams under the English top division is 42 games played by Chelsea between 2001 and 2015.
The Leeds were able to open their stay in the Premier League with some drama. Lukas Nmecha coolly scored the penalty to help win the game against Everton. The penalty however came under controversy with some of the events leading up to it. Despite this, the performance of Leeds, generally, deserved the victory, their first in the tournament in more than two years time.
A historic beginning would see Leeds take the first two top flight games of the season, something they have done only once 2002, but the capital has not been kind to them. The Whites have not won in the last seven games they have played in London, and no win over Arsenal since 2003.
Team News
Arsenal
- Kai Havertz: ruled out after picking up a knee injury in training.
- Eberechi Eze: agreed a deal with Arsenal, but later will be making his first appearance.
- Gabriel Jesus: he has a long-term ACL situation.
- Ben White & Christian Norgaard: late fitness tests.
Leeds United
- Ethan Ampadu: incurred an MCL injury against Everton and will not begin playing again until after the international break.
- Jaka Bijol: returned to suspension.
- Sebastiaan Bornauw: returnee with a recovery of a calf problem.
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Noah Okafor: the recent acquisitions may feature on their debuts.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli
Leeds United (4-3-3): Perri; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Gudmundsson; Stach, Gruev, Tanaka; Gnonto, Nmecha, Harrison
Betting Odds & Tips
- Arsenal win: 2/7 (77.8% implied probability)
- Draw: 5/1
- Leeds win: 11/1
Key Markets:
Clean Sheet Wins - Arsenal: Last season the Gunners had the best home defense in the league and their 0-0 draw at Old Trafford last weekend was their third clean sheet on the road this season. Leeds can fail to generate chances.
Anytime Goalscorer – Viktor Gyokeres: The new signing did not make many contributions with his debut, and he will be keen to score in his first game at Emirates. Between 8/11.
Player to Watch – Martin Ødegaard: The Norwegian skipper took up the charge against United, leading his team in the touches in the final third. Once more, he can excel against an open midfield, such as Leeds.
Prediction
Arsenal might still be in a quest to find fluidity up front but with defensive stability and imperious home record against sides newly promoted into the top flight, they are overwhelming favourites. Leeds will put up quite a fight though and are likely to lose in North London.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Leeds United
