Gyokeres Eyes Redemption as Arsenal Unleashes Him for Crucial Leeds Clash at Home
Arsenal are targeting consecutive wins to launch their 2025–26 Premier League campaign as they welcome newly-promoted Leeds United to their home ground.
The North London side claimed victory in a tough season opener at Old Trafford last weekend, edging past Manchester United 1–0 courtesy of Riccardo Calafiori's early strike. Despite an imperfect performance during their northern expedition, they managed to claim a crucial three points to stay level with Liverpool and Manchester City in the early title chase.
Leeds should present a more manageable challenge for Arsenal on paper, particularly with the home advantage in this fixture. The Gunners boast an impressive record against the Yorkshire club, remaining undefeated in their previous 14 meetings and claiming victory in 12 of those contests. However, Daniel Farke's squad also secured maximum points in their season debut, with Lukas Nmecha's spot-kick proving decisive against Everton.
Here's how Arsenal might set up for the encounter.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Leeds (4-3-3)
GK: David Raya—Raya delivered outstanding stops to deny Man Utd and should face less pressure against Leeds, though Farke has promised his team will take the game to Arsenal this Saturday.
RB: Jurriën Timber—Timber might be the only alteration from the XI that triumphed at Old Trafford, with the more offensive-minded Netherlands international possibly taking Ben White's place at right-back.
CB: William Saliba—Saliba narrowly avoided conceding a penalty last weekend but delivered an otherwise solid display with 14 defensive actions against Man Utd.
CB: Gabriel—While Jakub Kiwior served Arsenal well during the latter stages of last season, the Gunners are delighted to have Gabriel back alongside Saliba in central defense.
LB: Riccardo Calafiori—Calafiori scored the decisive goal at Old Trafford, though Altay Bayındır provided significant assistance. The Italian continues his battle with Myles Lewis-Skelly for the starting position.
CM: Martin Ødegaard—Arsenal's captain ran further than any player in the United encounter but will seek greater influence with the ball this time. He remains a vital creative force for the Gunners despite facing some scrutiny.
CM: Martín Zubimendi—Zubimendi's composed presence in defensive midfield should grant both Ødegaard and Declan Rice greater freedom at the Emirates, with the Spaniard's passing range and tactical awareness enabling a more attacking style.
CM: Declan Rice—Rice struggled to reach his usual standards against the Red Devils and will be determined to bounce back with an improved showing against Leeds. His recent selection for the 2025 Premier League PFA Team of the Year should boost his confidence.
RW: Bukayo Saka—Saka has managed only two goals in seven prior meetings with Leeds but will be confident of adding to that record on Saturday—despite looking below his best in the previous outing.
ST: Viktor Gyökeres—With Kai Havertz facing a worrying injury problem, additional responsibility now rests on Gyökeres to find his scoring form. The Swedish striker was invisible against Man Utd and will be seeking to make amends this weekend.
LW: Gabriel Martinelli—Martinelli doesn't enjoy unanimous support from Arsenal fans and now sees his place threatened by incoming signing Eberechi Eze, along with recent Chelsea acquisition Noni Madueke.
