Arsenal vs Leeds Preview: Team News & Prediction
by Trystan Pugh ·
Updated
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Arsenal and Leeds meet at the Emirates on Saturday after both sides recorded 1-0 victories in their opening games of the 2025-26 Premier League season.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / US – NBC
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / US – Fubo
Arsenal preview: Solid win
In what was a potential stumbling block against a new-look Man Utd at Old Trafford last weekend, Arsenal showed plenty of resolve as they ground out a 0-1 victory courtesy of Riccardo Calafiori's goal after just 13 minutes.
Mikel Arteta will also be delighted by the fact that the club have seemingly managed to secure the signing of Eberechi Eze this week, denying north London rivals Tottenham of his signature.
Leeds preview: Okafor arrives
Leeds became the second promoted side to secure three points from the opening round of fixtures, with Daniel Farke's men defeating Everton 1-0 on Monday thanks to Lukas Nmecha's late penalty.
In a statement of intent, the club have this week acquired the services of Noah Okafor from AC Milan in a deal understood to be in the region of £18 million.
Arsenal team news: Havertz out
At the time of writing, Eze has not officially joined the club so it is unknown whether he will be part of the matchday squad.
Kai Havertz is facing a spell on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury, so Viktor Gyokeres could be handed his first competitive start for the Gunners. Fellow summer signing Christian Norgaard, meanwhile, misses out once again with a minor injury.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli
Unavailable: Norgaard (Injured), Havertz (Injured), Jesus (Injured)
Questionable: White (Fitness), Timber (Rested)
Leeds team news: Ampadu blow
Club captain Ethan Ampadu suffered a MCL injury against Everton and will miss at least a month of action. Ilia Gruev, his replacement on Monday, seems likely to stand in for the Welsh international in central midfield.
A solid performance by Pascal Struijk at centre-back against Leeds may keep Jaka Bijol, who has now completed his suspension, out of the starting line-up, while Farke has hinted that new bow Okafor could receive his Leeds debut at the Emirates. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is similarly close to donning the Leeds jersey for the first time, although he remains a fitness doubt.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Perri; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Gudmundsson; Tanaka, Gruev, Stach; James, Piroe, Gnonto
Unavailable: Bornauw (Injured), Ampadu (Injured)
Questionable: Calvert-Lewin (Fitness)
Arsenal vs Leeds prediction
Arsenal made an early statement last weekend when they held firm against a Man Utd side containing plenty of attacking talent, and the Gunners will now look to flex their attacking muscles against one of the promoted teams.
Leeds made a positive start themselves, but the loss of Ampadu in midfield is significant and they are likely to be overrun by this impressive Arsenal side.
Expect a fast start from the Gunners, who we predict will be leading at both half-time and full-time.
Arsenal vs Leeds tip: Double results – Arsenal / Arsenal
