Leeds United’s fans have had their say on Saturday’s visit of title favourites Arsenal.
Leeds United face the visit of title-favourites Arsenal in a rare Saturday afternoon kick-off at Elland Road - but what do the club’s fans think? Here is what our YEP Jury have had to say including disagreement on the predictions front, a declaration about defender James Justin’s place in the side and the team’s ‘game management’ need.
DAVID WATKINS
Had we hung on to our lead for 14 minutes more at Everton, we might be less bothered about the visit of Arsenal. Now, though, even a point from the Gunners would be very valuable.
We’re all looking at the other fixtures, of course, and I feel there is some comfort in the fact that shortly after the final whistle at ER, West Ham kick off at Chelsea; surely the Hammers won’t get anything there, will they?
Forest host struggling Crystal Palace on Sunday, so we need to be braced for them to be ahead of us by Sunday night, but if they are, then at least Palace will remain within our reach.
Burnley go to Sunderland in the Monday night game, and Spurs, still in trouble, face Man City while Bournemouth go to Wolves.
So, what price a point versus Arsenal? The Gunners have not been at their best lately – losing to them folk from Salford last week and drawing at Forest before that – but they are still a top side; not invincible, but formidable, and they’ll be well-rested having made 11 changes for their midweek Champions League victory.
If we are at our very Everton-first-half best, we can get something, but, sorry, I’m erring on the pessimistic side.
Prediction: Leeds United 1 Arsenal 3.
NEIL GREWER
This is a potentially intriguing fixture. Arsenal sit top of the league yet have not won in their last three league outings whilst Leeds have been beaten once (somewhat unluckily) since the beginning of December.
However, Arsenal are the only team who have really taken Leeds apart this season.
United’s good form continued at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night with an impressive first-half display matching the impressive surroundings, but an inability to convert possession ultimately cost a victory.
Whilst defensively, Leeds have improved they will be without Jaka Bijol and potentially Gabi Gudmundsson too and this may tell against Arsenal with their wingers and set piece threats.
Arsenal will be far better than Everton or other recent opponents in all areas and Leeds must be clinical with any opportunities created.
Leeds continue to improve, but small margins make a difference, and Leeds must be on the right side of these margins/decisions/challenges to have any chance of a result.
Whilst this may be a good time to play Arsenal, I expect even a below par Gunners side will beat Leeds – quality in quantity will tell.
Prediction: Leeds United 0 Arsenal 3.
“He deserves to play”
KEITH INGHAM
Maybe if Daniel Farke had brought on fresh legs earlier they might have got the winner.
Facundo Buonanotte was bright when he came on but you could hardly expect him to shine for five minutes plus injury time.
Saturday brings the league leaders to Elland Road. Arsenal have led the way most, if not all the season.
They were surprisingly beaten 3-2 last Saturday by Man United so Leeds need to be wary that they will want to get back to winning ways as soon as possible with Man City not far behind them.
Earlier in the season they beat Leeds 5-0.
If Leeds have come through the game with Everton unscathed injury-wise, they will probably line up the same.
Gabi Gudmundsson was injured but his deputy James Justin scored a fine goal and will keep his place.
He deserves to play even if the first choice left-back was fit.
I’d love to think that Leeds can go toe to toe with Arsenal but I think that unfortunately the visitors will just have too much for us and I expect a defeat, hopefully not a heavy one.
Prediction: Leeds United 1 Arsenal 3.
Way back in August after our narrow home win against Everton, we suffered a hard lesson away to Arsenal.
We found the Gunners in scintillating form and it didn’t augur well for further meetings with top sides.
Since then we have proved that we can more than hold our own away and certainly at Elland Road.
Our run of draws continued at Everton and although the second half was a bit disappointing, it was a solid performance.
It would be naive and delusional to expect a David Moyes side to lay down and die after their first half drubbing and the Whites deserve credit for holding it together and eventually finishing strongly.
There is never a good time to play Arsenal and certainly not after they are licking their wounds after their shock home defeat to Manchester United followed by a routine Champions League win against lowly Kairat.
Leeds fans always play a big part at Elland Road and we have a big responsibility on Saturday to make the atmosphere intimidating.
An early advantage would help but even if there’s a setback, we have to maintain the noise levels.
Bring it on!
Prediction: Leeds United 1 Arsenal 1.
“Their game management does need to improve, though”
ANDY RHODES
With another point gained at Everton on Monday, Leeds now face one of the most difficult games of the season.
Arsenal might just get over the line and win the English league title this season, but their form hasn’t been great in recent weeks.
The Gunners haven’t won in the league since their first games of January.
The Whites’ form has dipped slightly too, but they are still difficult to beat.
Their game management does need to improve, though.
It was a game of two halves at Everton but Leeds should have been able to retain some sort of control in the second half.
Their chances against Arsenal won’t be as plentiful so Leeds will need to take them when they come.
Set pieces will be another crucial weapon, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin will hope to rediscover his goalscoring form.
Leeds won’t have earmarked this game as a potential win but at a lively Elland Road anything can happen.
Prediction: Leeds United 1 Arsenal 3.
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