Match Preview for Arsenal v Leeds
Arsenal welcome newly-promoted Leeds United to the Emirates on Saturday evening for their first home game of the new Premier League season.
Both sides made winning starts last weekend – Mikel Arteta’s men snatching a 1-0 win away at Manchester United, while Daniel Farke’s side edged Everton by the same scoreline thanks to a controversial penalty.
The Gunners were far from convincing at Old Trafford but extended their unbeaten run against the Premier League’s traditional ‘Big Six’ to 22 matches.
They also remain unbeaten in 42 consecutive league home matches against promoted clubs – one shy of Chelsea’s all-time record.
Leeds, meanwhile, return to the capital looking to end a dismal run of seven successive league defeats in London.
Their last victory over Arsenal came back in 2003, and they’ve lost the last six meetings in all competitions.
Team news for Arsenal v Leeds
Arsenal’s preparations were hit with another setback when Kai Havertz suffered a knee injury in training this week, ruling him out for the foreseeable future.
New signing Eberechi Eze will arrive from Crystal Palace but is not expected to debut just yet.
Gabriel Jesus remains sidelined with an ACL injury, while Ben White and Christian Norgaard will undergo late fitness checks.
Leeds must cope without Ethan Ampadu, who picked up an MCL injury against Everton and will miss out until after the international break.
Ilia Gruev is expected to step into midfield. Otherwise, Farke has a strong squad available, with Jaka Bijol back from suspension and Sebastiaan Bornauw fit again.
Noah Okafor could make his debut after arriving from AC Milan.
Expected line-ups for Arsenal v Leeds
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli
Leeds United: Perri; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Gudmundsson; Stach, Gruev, Tanaka; Gnonto, Nmecha, Harrison
How to watch Arsenal v Leeds: TV channel, online stream
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event.
Streaming will be available via the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers. The match will kick-off at 17:30 BST on Saturday.
The stats for Arsenal v Leeds
- Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 42 home league games against promoted clubs
- Leeds have lost their last seven Premier League matches in London
- Arsenal have won their last six meetings with Leeds in all competitions
- Leeds last beat Arsenal in May 2003 at Highbury
- The Gunners’ last three league wins have all been by a single-goal margin
Prediction
Arsenal should sharpen up in attack after a wasteful showing at Old Trafford, while Leeds face a daunting away assignment.
With their record against promoted sides and recent dominance over the Whites, Arteta’s men should have enough to secure a comfortable win.
Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Leeds United
