Arsenal Set to Battle Leeds: Key Matchups, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Arsenal are looking to secure consecutive wins from their first two Premier League fixtures when they welcome newly-promoted Leeds United on Saturday.
The Gunners were lucky to claim all three points in their season opener but managed to find a way past Manchester United. Altay Bayındır's error gifted them an early strike and they barely survived the ensuing pressure to claim a 1–0 triumph.
Mikel Arteta will be hoping for a much more commanding display against Leeds this weekend, with the Arsenal boss calling for a better offensive showing to satisfy the home crowd at the Emirates Stadium. Focus will be on Viktor Gyökeres following his lackluster debut, while Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard need to deliver more against the Whites.
Leeds possess a terrible record versus Arsenal—they have been defeated in 12 of their previous 14 encounters with the north London club—but approach Saturday's fixture with confidence following their opening triumph over Everton. Lukas Nmecha's late spot-kick earned a tight but merited 1–0 victory against the Toffees, and Daniel Farke will be hoping his team can spring a surprise at the Emirates.
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of the encounter.
What Time Does Arsenal vs. Leeds Kick-Off?
Arsenal vs. Leeds Club Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Arsenal | Leeds |
|---|---|
Man Utd 0–1 Arsenal - 17/08/25 | Leeds 1–0 Everton - 18/08/25 |
Arsenal 3–0 Athletic Club - 09/08/25 | Leeds 1–1 Milan - 09/08/25 |
Arsenal 2–3 Villarreal - 06/08/25 | Leeds 1–1 Villarreal - 02/08/25 |
Arsenal 0–1 Tottenham - 31/07/25 | Paderborn 2–3 Leeds - 26/07/25 |
Arsenal 3–2 Newcastle - 27/07/25 | Verl 1–4 Leeds - 22/07/25 |
How to Watch Arsenal vs. Leeds on TV
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United States | fuboTV, UNIVERSO NOW, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, NBC, UNIVERSO |
United Kingdom | Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Ultra HD, Sky GO, Sky GO Extra, NOW TV |
Canada | DAZN, fuboTV, Fubo Sports Network 5, Amazon Prime Video |
Mexico | Max Mexico, TNT Sports, TNT Go, Amazon Prime Video |
Arsenal Team News
Arsenal have already encountered their first significant injury blow of the campaign, with Kai Havertz facing time out due to a knee problem. While no recovery timeframe has been established yet, the Gunners are now reportedly keen to acquire another forward this summer, indicating the German could be sidelined for an extended period.
This means Gyökeres's starting position is completely secure with Gabriel Jesus also in the medical room, and the Swede will be looking to net his first competitive strike for the Gunners on Saturday.
Christian Nørgaard is also questionable to appear having been absent from the victory at Old Trafford with an injury, but the summer acquisition is unlikely to start regardless of his fitness status.
Arteta shouldn't make numerous changes from the side that triumphed at Man Utd, though Jurriën Timber could replace Ben White at right back.
Reported acquisition Eberechi Eze has not been confirmed yet, so don't expect him in the matchday roster barring a surprise.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Leeds
Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Leeds (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Martinelli.
Leeds Team News
Leeds have only one fitness worry with Farke confirming that Ethan Ampadu will be unavailable until after the September international break. The midfielder has a medial collateral ligament issue and will be out for the next three fixtures at minimum.
On a positive note, Farke revealed that recent signings Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin could both feature in some capacity at the Emirates. While it appears unlikely that they will start, they could make appearances from the substitutes' bench.
Farke is unlikely to make many changes from the team that defeated Everton last time out, with Ilia Gruev replacing the injured Ampadu at the base of midfield.
Leeds Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal
Leeds predicted lineup vs. Arsenal (4-1-4-1): Perri; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Gudmundsson; Gruev; James, Tanaka, Stach, Gnonto; Piroe.
Arsenal vs. Leeds Score Prediction
"We won't abandon our philosophy in the Premier League this season and sit back defensively," Farke stated in the lead-up to Saturday's encounter. Their boldness could prove costly at the Emirates, however, with Arsenal more likely to face difficulties against a defensive setup than a team committing players forward.
An offensive strategy from Leeds could allow the Gunners to build a substantial scoreline and Arteta will be eager for a ruthless display. Arsenal's heavy dependence on set pieces has been a talking point lately and the Spaniard will want to witness an expansive performance against a Leeds team not known for their defensive solidity.