Arsenal v Leeds – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Arsenal host Leeds in the English Premier League at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday evening. Mikel Arteta’s side could only draw 0-0 in the first meeting between these sides in November and will want to arrest another poor run of form before it spirals out of control. Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds are a point ahead of Arsenal having played a match less and are now only a few points from securing safety from relegation.

Arsenal Form

Arsenal are veering wildly between being bad and good and bad again this season in the Premier League. After a run of one win in ten, they embarked on a steak of five wins and a draw in their next six matches.

Their last three matches have seen the side struggling again after a 0-0 draw at home with Man Utd was followed by a 2-1 defeat at Wolves and a 1-0 defeat to Aston Vila. They also lost to Southampton in the FA Cup just before that so it’s three defeats in five matches in all competitions.

Arsenal Team News

Arsenal will have David Luiz and Bernd Leno back in contention after they each served a one match ban for their red cards against Wolves. Both are expected to start. Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney have both been carrying injuries and could miss out. That would likely mean starts for Mohamed Elneny and Cedric Soares in midfield and at left-back respectively.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was only a substitute against Aston Villa but should start this match, most likely on the left flank with Nicolas Pepe dropping down to the bench. Martin Odegaard is pushing for more minutes but unless Emile Smith-Rowe is dropped or Mikel Arteta uses two number tens, the Norwegian will again feature as a substitute.

Arsenal Motivation

Arteta will see this as a winnable match with all the space that Leeds leave for the bigger sides to exploit. The Spanish coach will hopefully have worked on some movements to get away from man marking. Should Arsenal score first, they will probably drop back and wait for Leeds to expose themselves to counter attacks. A draw would be seen as a poor result and not one that Arteta will settle for at any stage.

Leeds Form

After a 6-2 defeat at Man Utd in December drew criticism for Bielsa’s naïve tactics, the side have responded with a brilliant run of results. The last eight league matches have seen five wins. With three wins in their last four, the side are on the verge of a points total to keep them away from relegation.

A 2-1 win away at Newcastle was followed by a superb 3-1 victory away at Leicester. Everton then came to Elland Road and won 2-1 but Bielsa’s side responded well. In their last match, they beat Crystal Palace 2-0 with Jack Harrison and Patrick Bamford on target.

Leeds Team News

Leeds’ season-long issues with defensive injuries is far from over as Diego Llorente and Robin Koch remain absent at centre back. Liam Copper is expected to be partnered by natural midfielder Pascal Struijk.

Pablo Hernandez may be fit to return to the bench but Rodrigo is likely to be missing in attacking midfield areas. Kalvin Phillips is dealing with some fatigue and tight muscles and is a doubt. He should be fit to play otherwise Jamie Shackleton could get a rare start in the holding midfield role.

Leeds Motivation

When these sides met in the reverse fixture, Leeds came into the game having conceded eight goals in their previous two matches. They were therefore slightly, but only slightly, more conservative in the first half. Right now, Leeds are high on confidence and in great form and they will see Arsenal as a winnable match.

Expect Bielsa’s usual style of play with full pitch man marking and flooding the opposition box with runners. They will attack a weak Arsenal defence as every opportunity.

Key Stats

Arsenal have won 5 of their last 9 PL matches

Arsenal have kept 5 PL clean sheets in their last 8 PL matches

Arsenal have won 4 of their 11 home PL matches this season

Leeds have won 3 of their last 4 away PL matches

Leeds have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 6 away PL matches

Prediction

Arsenal are at home but are struggling in terms of results and performances. Leeds are full of confidence and will nothing to lose but injuries mean they lack options from the bench. A good tip could be a home win after trailing. Expect both sides to score in the match.

Best Bet: Arsenal win and BTTS at 2.90

Alternative Bet: Arsenal to win from behind at 7.00

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