Greece v Netherlands - UEFA Nations League 2026/27 Group A2 MD3
THESSALONIKI, GREECE - OCTOBER 1: Christos Tzolis of Greece is comforted during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 Group A2 MD3 match between Greece and the Netherlands at Toumba Stadium on October 1, 2026 in Thessaloniki, Greece. (Photo by Dijks Media/MB Media/Getty Images)
Leeds United travel to Arsenal in just over a week’s time as the Premier League resumes in October.
The Whites are unbeaten from five games so far in the league. But, the biggest test to that start comes straight after this international break.
Daniel Farke’s men travel to North London to the home of the champions, Arsenal, who are smarting off the back of their 3-0 pasting by Brighton prior to the break.
Arsenal sweat on Christos Tzolis fitness against Leeds United after Kai Havertz hamstring blow
Leeds will need to put in a better performance than both meetings with the Gunners last season. Across games at the Emirates and Elland Road, we lost 9-0 on aggregate.
However, our hopes of a shutout in the capital are potentially boosted by Mikel Arteta’s latest fitness headaches.
Kai Havertz was already a fresh doubt after his hamstring issue sustained on duty for Germany. Now, he could be joined on the sidelines by winger Christos Tzolis, who suffered a likewise injury during Greece’s 2-2 draw against the Netherlands.
Reports from Dimitris Manakos suggest Tzolis is expecting to miss two-to-three weeks of action due to his new setback. That would of course rule him out of a meeting with Leeds. In turn, it would rule out a reunion with his former Norwich City boss Farke.
Tzolis’ absence leaves Arsenal without a recognised left-winger against Leeds. Meanwhile, Havertz being sidelined would open the door for Viktor Gyokeres to start, who scored three in two games against United last season.
Leeds United could capitalise on shaky Arsenal situation with shock Emirates result
There are two ways you can look at the Arsenal game. Either you’re a pessimist that thinks Arsenal are bound to react well to their defeat at Brighton, and the last thing you want is to be the team they’re up against next, which is reasonable.
Or, you’re ever the optimist and believe this is as good a time as ever to face the Gunners. Not only may their confidence be shot after being handed a beating by the Seagulls, but attacking injuries leave Arteta scratching his head.
Regardless of these setbacks, it’ll take a 10/10 performance from Farke and Leeds to come away from North London with anything.
However, we’re looking so hard to beat that you’ve got to have some hope we can claim a scalp here.