Arsenal opened their new Premier League season with a narrow 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford, a result that pleased Mikel Arteta far more for its resilience than its attacking quality. The Gunners struggled to create much from open play, but the ability to see out wins away from home is exactly what they will need if they’re serious about finally ending their long wait for the PL Trophy.
Back at the Emirates, Arteta will be looking for a sharper attacking display, especially from Bukayo Saka, who is likely to carry much of the threat. The Arsenal star has been a reliable scorer on home turf, with six of his last seven league goals coming at the Emirates; fans will expect him to set the tone again, Softfootball reports.
Injuries remain a frustration, though, with Gabriel Jesus still out and Kai Havertz sidelined after picking up a knee problem. Even so, Arsenal will take confidence from their impressive record against Leeds, having gone 14 games unbeaten in this fixture and winning 12 of those. Add to that their unbeaten run of 42 home matches against newly promoted sides, and there’s no doubt the Gunners go into this one as firm favorites.
Confirmed Arsenal line-up posted via the club’s official X handle: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Madueke.
Leeds also began their season with a 1-0 victory, overcoming Everton in a performance that showed plenty of defensive resilience and composure under pressure. For Daniel Farke, it was an outstanding result, not only because it gave the newly promoted side an ideal start but also because it marked the first time in his managerial career that he has put together back-to-back Premier League wins.
That kind of momentum is needed for him and his team. While Farke knows his team’s survival hopes won’t hinge on results against the likes of Arsenal, he has urged his players to approach the game with bravery. Lukas Nmecha, who announced himself with a debut penalty, could be key again as Leeds looks for sparks in attack.
History, though, is stacked against them. Leeds have lost 23 of their last 30 away league matches in London, including each of their last seven in the Premier League, and they haven’t kept a clean sheet at Arsenal in their last 14 visits.
To cause an upset, they’ll need to show the same discipline that carried them through their opener and hope their recent form seven straight wins across competitions with five clean sheets translates to the top flight. It’s a huge challenge, but a result here would send a powerful message about their intent to stay up.
Leeds Confirmed XI posted on their official X handle: Perri; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Gudmundsson; Stach, Gruev, Tanaka; James, Piroe, Gnonto
