On Sunday, at 16:30, Leeds United will receive Arsenal’s reply in the 9th round of the Premier League, in what should be a very spectacular duel. On Elland Road, two coaches who know how to appreciate offensive football face off: Marcelo Bielsa and Mikel Arteta. Both have lot problems, which could affect the homogeneity of the two camps.
Leeds United cannot count on Berardi, Forshaw, Llorente, Rodrigo and Philips, while Shackleton is uncertain. On the other hand, the “gunners” come without Elneny, Kolasinac, Mari, Martinelli, Nelson, Ozil, Chambers and Thomas Partey. The latter could be recovered in time, being an important piece in the middle of the field for the London band. However, Aubameyang’s presence on the field is guaranteed, and he could be lethal along with Lacazette and Willian, in the guests’ offensive trident. Saka and Pepe can be decisive on the bench at any time.
Arsenal is only on the 11th place in the Premier League, after a series of modest evolutions: 3 failures in the last 4 stages. Obviously, it is a ranking far below the pretensions of the white-reds, who move on a difficult terrain. Leeds United have one of the best possessions in England, but the difficult program has left its mark on the results so far: 3 more failures in the last 4 stages. It would be time for the “gunners” to return.
The previous round, Leeds was shattered by Crystal Palace, away, score 1-4, while Arsenal gave surprisingly with Aston Villa, score 0-3. Villa opened the scoring, after having a goal disallowed in the first minute, and Ollie Watkins closed the game with a “double” (’72 and ’75). Arsenal dominated in vain: it ended with only 3 corners and two sutures on the goal!
It was an unexpected failure, especially as the “gunners” came after good games, in the Europa League and in the championship: 3-0 with Dundalk, 4-1 with Molde and 1-0 away from Manchester United. A common situation already for “gunners”, who for a while now have been giving apples to pears!
Leeds impressed in attack at the start of the season, but now comes after two consecutive games with at least four goals conceded (against Palace and Leicester). However, history seems to be on the side of Arsenal, who have won 4 of the last 5 direct matches. The last two matches took place in the English Cup, in 2012 and 2020, with identical scores, 1-0. However, we note that Arsenal have scored 3+ goals in the last 4 trips in a row, on Elland Road.
Leeds: Meslier; Ayling, Koch, Cooper; Dallas; Phillips, Helder Costa, Rodrigo, Klich, Harrison; Bamford
Coach: Marcelo Bielsa
Arsenal: Leno; Bellerin, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Ceballos, Partey, Saka; Willian, Lacazette, Aubameyang
Coach: Mikel Arteta
In 3 of the last 4 direct duels, less than 2.5 goals were scored;
In 3 of Arsenal’s last 4 matches, at least 3 goals have been scored each time;
Leeds United have conceded 8 goals in their last two league games;
At least three goals have been scored in Arsenal’s last 4 trips to Elland Road;
Leeds’ top scorer, Bamford, scored 6 of the 7 goals of the season away;
Leeds had over 50% possession in all 8 stages so far;
PREDICTION: Both teams to score / YES @ 1,54
