Premier League leaders Arsenal head to Elland Road on Saturday afternoon hoping to snap a worrying away-day slump, while Leeds United continue their fight to pull clear of the relegation scrap under Daniel Farke.
The Gunners arrive in Yorkshire on the back of a three-game winless run in the Premier League, a sequence that has slightly loosened their grip at the summit. Leeds, by contrast, are quietly building momentum, particularly at home, where they have been one of the league’s more awkward opponents this season.
For the first time in a while, Arsenal’s title charge is showing visible cracks. Whether it is fatigue from a relentless schedule or long-standing issues in the final third resurfacing, Mikel Arteta’s side have begun to look vulnerable.
Their shock 3-2 home defeat to Manchester United last weekend told a familiar story. Arsenal dominated possession but lacked incision, registering just 0.39 expected goals from open play.
It was another reminder that slick build-up play does not always translate into cutting-edge attacking output, a problem that has lingered for much of the last 18 months.
Results elsewhere compounded the damage, as wins for Manchester City and Aston Villa reduced Arsenal’s lead at the top to four points. While the North Londoners still boast one of the league’s strongest away records, only two of their last six Premier League matches on the road have ended in victory.
A midweek 3-2 Champions League win over Kairat restored some confidence and completed a perfect league-phase campaign, but even that success was marred by a laboured second-half attacking display that left supporters unconvinced.
Leeds, meanwhile, know all about frustrating strong opponents, especially at Elland Road. Farke’s men were on course for a third straight win in all competitions last weekend before Everton struck late to snatch a draw, denying the Whites a morale-boosting victory on Merseyside.
Despite that disappointment, Leeds sit 16th and six points clear of the relegation zone, thanks largely to their formidable home form. They have lost just twice at Elland Road in the league this season, are unbeaten in five home games, and have found the net in 10 of their 11 Premier League fixtures on their own patch.
Arsenal do have recent history on their side, though. The Gunners have won their last six league meetings with Leeds, including a 5-0 demolition at the Emirates, although the Whites will take encouragement from the fact they have already taken points off Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea at home this term.
Injuries & Suspension
Arsenal are set to receive a triple boost. William Saliba and Jurrien Timber missed the win over Kairat with minor niggles but are expected to return, while Declan Rice and Mikel Merino are back from suspension. As a result, 16-year-old Max Dowman, sidelined with an ankle issue, may be Arteta’s only absentee.
Several midweek starters are likely to drop out as Arsenal revert to their strongest XI. Kai Havertz, however, has given his manager plenty to think about after producing a goal and an assist in an impressive 45-minute cameo, putting him firmly in contention for a first Premier League start of the season.
Leeds could also welcome back a couple of key players, with Gabriel Gudmundsson and Daniel James both pushing to return after injury. Defender Jaka Bijol remains sidelined with a thigh problem, meaning Sebastiaan Bornauw should continue in a back three that has helped Leeds stay compact and difficult to break down.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin leads the line once again, though the striker has managed just one goal in his last five league outings and has not scored against Arsenal since 2020.
Possible Line-Ups
Leeds United:
Darlow; Rodon, Struijk, Bornauw; Bogle, Gruev, Stach, Ampadu, Justin; Aaronson, Calvert-Lewin.
Arsenal:
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Trossard.
Expert Prediction
Leeds 0-1 Arsenal
