Two former Premier League winners have given their predictions ahead of Leeds United's home game with Arsenal.
Leeds United will face one of their biggest tests of the season when they host Premier League leaders Arsenal at Elland Road on Saturday.
However, the Gunners will also be wary of the challenge they will face when they go up against a Whites side that has now lost just one of their last 11 games in all competitions and that have been beaten just twice in 11 league games on their home patch this season.
Daniel Farke’s side have now moved six points clear of the relegation zone and have raised hopes they can preserve their Premier League status this season - but there is also a growing belief the Whites can provide more difficult moments for clubs higher up the table. Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have all failed to take maximum points from a visit to Elland Road and Leeds will be keen to add Arsenal to that list this weekend.
With just hours to go until kick-off, we take a look at what two former Premier League champions are saying about what is arguably the game of the weekend.
What has Paul Merson said about Leeds United v Arsenal?
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Pundit Paul Merson has been talking Rangers | Sky
Writing for Sportskeeda, the former Gunners star said: “This is the game, isn't it? Leeds away won't be easy, no doubt it. I remember Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink scoring a diving header for Leeds to deny Arsenal the title back in the day. So definitely, Arsenal have bad memories associated with this fixture! But I must admit, playing first makes a huge difference for them this weekend. If Arsenal win, they go seven points clear at the top and Manchester City still have to go to Tottenham. That is not a bad state to be in.
“There are still 14 games left after this clash against Leeds and I believe Arsenal are not feeling the nerves just yet. The equation changes if they lose, but I expect them to get a crucial win here. Leeds were outstanding in the first half against Everton last weekend. I don't think they will put 10 men behind the ball in this game. I fully expect Leeds to have a go at Arsenal. When Eberechi Eze came on against Manchester United last weekend, the Arsenal fans were going ballistic. I assume most of them felt he was being very casual on the ball. But that's just the way he plays and it's not his fault!
“The thing with Eze is that he's a special player. He is elegant when he gets on the ball and I think the fans need to give him time. I mean no disrespect to Palace, but it's not the same when you join Arsenal. The pressure is always on you and I believe Eze is still getting used to it. I hope they give him time.
“Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli should come into the starting line-up for this game. Leandro Trossard will give you a bit of guile, but I think Martinelli's pace will be really useful against Leeds. Everybody has to step up, even the defence let in three goals last time out. This is Arsenal's biggest game of the season. If they lose and the lead comes down to a single point, I don't think they win the league! So this is a humungous game and I'm predicting a very crucial win for the visitors. Prediction**:** Leeds United 0-2 Arsenal”
What has Chris Sutton said about Leeds United v Arsenal?
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Writing in his BBC Sport predictions column, the former Blackburn Rovers striker said: “This is going to be a really good game, and it might tell us where Arsenal are at. For starters, Leeds' recent home record is really good and I have been really impressed by the job their manager Daniel Farke has done. They were unlucky not to get three points at Everton on Monday. On top of that, though, there are lots of question marks around the Gunners' form and whether 'the choke' is on.
“Plenty of Arsenal fans I know are getting nervous and you are thinking "blimey, there are still 15 games to go"... so heaven help them when they get into the home straight. Arsenal hammered Leeds 5-0 at Emirates Stadium in August, but now we are all wondering about their ability to score goals from open play. I still think Mikel Arteta's side will win, but it is going to be very different to that last meeting. Instead this is the type of game where they will go and grind out a 'one-niller', by nicking a set-piece goal. Sutton's prediction: 0-1”
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