Arsenal will look to maintain their grip on a top-four spot when they host the struggling Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Gunners’ 2-0 victory over West Ham United last time out propelled the north London club into the top four for the first time since October last year.
Leeds United, meanwhile, have struggled to get going this season and find themselves in 14th place. Marcelo Bielsa’s side travel to London on the back of a 7-0 hiding at the hands of champions Manchester City.
Arsenal and Leeds faced off earlier this season in the League Cup, with the Gunners coming away with a 2-0 win courtesy goals from Calum Chambers and Eddie Nketiah.
Arsenal Team News
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is unavailable for this clash as his exile from the squad due to a disciplinary breach continues.
Sead Kolasinac remains a long-term absentee, but Gabriel Martinelli is expected to be fit after hobbling off against West Ham.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup vs Leeds United (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Aaron Ramsdale has kept eight clean sheets for Arsenal since his arrival from Sheffield United and the England international will continue in goal against Leeds.
Defenders
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta appears to have finally settled on his preferred backline. Kieran Tierney has been in sparkling form since his return from injury and he will continue at left-back.
Gabriel and Ben White have developed a great understanding at the heart of the Arsenal defence and could form a stable partnership for the Gunners in the long term.
Takehiro Tomiyasu’s physicality and energy have added a new dimension to Arsenal’s defence and the Japanese will retain his spot at right-back.
Midfielders
Granit Xhaka has struggled to get up to speed following his return from a lengthy layoff, but he is likely to retain his spot in the side with Mikel Arteta keen for the Swiss to develop his partnership with Thomas Partey in central midfield.
After a string of poor performances, Partey showed glimpses of his best form against West Ham. The Ghana international will have a huge role to play in helping Arsenal beat the Leeds press on Saturday.
Martin Odegaard has been in fantastic form for the Gunners in the past few games and is likely to continue in the No. 10 role against Leeds.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup vs Leeds United
Bukayo Saka provided the assist for Arsenal’s second goal against the Hammers and he will be one of the first names on the teamsheet.
The left-wing spot is a toss-up between Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli. Smith Rowe has arguably been Arsenal’s best player in attack this season, while Martinelli is in a rich vein of form. Both players got on the scoresheet against West Ham. Given Martinelli limped off with an injury late on, Arteta might be inclined to rest the Brazilian and give Smith Rowe the nod.
Attackers
With Aubameyang unavailable for selection, Alexandre Lacazette will lead the line for the Gunners once again. The Frenchman snapped a prolonged goal drought by netting against Southampton and he also provided the assist for Martinelli’s goal against West Ham. He will be keen to continue his fine run of form.
