Arsenal welcome Leeds United to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon as they contest their first home game of the Premier League season.
The Gunners opened their campaign with a win last weekend, securing a slender 1-0 victory at Manchester United. A first-half header from Riccardo Calafiori made the difference amid what was a slightly shaky performance from Mikel Arteta’s side.
Leeds marked their return to the top flight with a win in their season starter. The Whites rounded off gameweek one with a 1-0 win over Everton at Elland Road, courtesy of a late penalty by Lukas Nmecha.
Arteta will be keen for Arsenal to continue their winning start to their league campaign, but will face a tough test as they come up against a Leeds side looking to do the same. The Gunners could be boasting a serotonin boost however, following on from their sensational hijack of Eberechi Eze’s move to Tottenham on Wednesday evening.
Here’s our preview of Arsenal’s matchup with Leeds United.
What time does Arsenal vs Leeds kick off?
Arsenal vs Leeds kicks off on Saturday 23 August at 17:30 BST.
Arsenal team news
Arteta will be without Kai Havertz, who has suffered for a knee injury and is set for a spell on the sidelines as a result. Gabriel Jesus remains a long-term absentee for Arsenal.
Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi are likely to be among the starters after they made their debuts in the win over Man United. However, impending new signing Eberechi Eze won’t be involved despite an expectance he will undergo his medical tomorrow.
There could be a switcharound in attack following the Gunners’ open training session at the Emirates. Bukayo Saka was seen playing on the left flank with Noni Madueke on the opposite. Fans may get a glimpse of that on Saturday.
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Leeds: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Odegaard, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli
Leeds team news
It could be a case of if it ain’t broke don’t fix it for Leeds against Arsenal. The Whites defeated Everton 1-0 in their opening match and could field the same side that secured the victory.
Daniel Farke’s side confirmed the signing of striker Noah Okafor from AC Milan on Thursday and he could be in line to make his debut, albeit likey off the bench.
Predicted Leeds lineup vs Arsenal: Perri; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Gudmundsson; Ampadu; James, Tanaka, Stach, Gnonto; Piroe
Arsenal vs Leeds score prediction
Following winning starts for both sides, they will be looking to continue their perfect beginnings to the campaign. However, Arsenal should be the heavy favourites coming into the tie.
As they look to kickstart a bid to finally win the Premier League title after 21 years, the Gunners should maintain their 100% start to their season. Gyokeres is one player who should be hoping to capitalise on playing a weaker side and open his account.
Leeds won’t be a pushover and will provide a tough test, but Arsenal should come out on top in comfortable fashion on Saturday.
