Arsenal Unleash Jesus and Gyokeres Against Leeds: Arteta's Bold Lineup Revealed Amid Injury Crisis
Arsenal are looking to bounce back from last weekend's frustrating loss to Manchester United as they head to Leeds United on Saturday afternoon.
The Gunners saw their Premier League summit advantage reduced to merely four points following their setback against the rejuvenated Red Devils, though they have the opportunity to restore their seven-point cushion with a win at Elland Road—as their competitors Manchester City and Aston Villa won't play until Sunday.
Mikel Arteta had the luxury of rotating his squad extensively for Wednesday evening's meaningless fixture against Kairat Almaty, ensuring his first-choice eleven should be fully refreshed.
Match Snapshot
Match Snapshot
Team News
Team News
William Saliba and Jurriën Timber were both sidelined from the victory over Kairat due to "minor knocks" though Arteta remained optimistic about their availability for this pivotal Leeds fixture.
Riccardo Calafiori and Kai Havertz featured against Kairat following recent exclusions, with the latter netting and providing an assist in the 3–2 victory, making both players ready for weekend selection.
The sole confirmed absence against Leeds is young striker Max Dowman.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Leeds (4-3-3)
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Leeds (4-3-3)
GK: David Raya—The Spanish keeper seldom gets rotation opportunities and will appreciate the midweek break against Kairat. He should be energized for the visit to a confident Leeds outfit.
RB: Jurriën Timber—Though carrying a minor fitness concern for the Leeds encounter, Arteta anticipates the Dutch defender will start at Elland Road. Ben White stands ready as backup if needed.
CB: William Saliba—Despite being another fitness doubt, Saliba is expected to partner Timber. The French center-back will face a tough test against Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has netted seven times since early December.
CB: Gabriel—Following a heated clash with Manchester United that saw him tangle with Harry Maguire, Gabriel will prefer celebrating over confrontation when the final whistle sounds.
LB: Riccardo Calafiori—Calafiori received the opening 45 minutes against Kairat in his first Arsenal outing since before the holiday period, playing in a central role for additional coverage.
CM: Martin Ødegaard—Ødegaard must elevate his performance for Arsenal during this critical period, beginning with the Elland Road assignment.
CM: Martín Zubimendi—Zubimendi's poor distribution led to United's leveler and the Spanish midfielder will seek to make amends against Leeds' aggressive midfield unit.
CM: Declan Rice—The English midfielder wasn't at his commanding peak against United but rarely disappoints in consecutive matches. Leeds will be cautious of his forward surges and dead-ball expertise.
RW: Bukayo Saka—Another player needing to increase his impact for Arsenal—particularly in terms of production—Saka seeks his fourth strike against Leeds. He's recorded only seven goal involvements in league play this season—though just Leandro Trossard has exceeded that tally for the Gunners.
ST: Gabriel Jesus—The discussion surrounding Arsenal's striker role continues as Jesus competes with Viktor Gyökeres and the returning Kai Havertz for starting duties. With Gyökeres featuring midweek, Jesus might reclaim his spot as Havertz's playing time is carefully monitored.
LW: Leandro Trossard—Trossard has been Arsenal's leading scorer and playmaker in Premier League action but hasn't registered a goal contribution across six matches in any competition.