Seeking to return to winning ways in the Premier League, Arsenal welcome Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Gunners suffered their first loss of the season last time out, going down 3-0 at Brighton & Hove Albion just before the international break. The result left them second in the Premier League table, three points adrift of leaders Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta, who penned a new contract extension with the club earlier this week, will be raring to see his side produce an impressive display and beat Leeds United. Daniel Farke’s side are undefeated in the Premier League however, having amassed nine points from their opening five games.
Arsenal Team News
Mikel Arteta is sweating over the availability of several players ahead of Arsenal’s return to Premier League action. Christos Tzolis and Kai Havertz suffered injuries on international duty, and the former will be out for ‘weeks’.
Ezri Konsa withdrew from the England squad ahead of the 3-0 Nations League win over the Czech Republic and the centre-back, along with Havertz will face late fitness tests before Arteta takes a final call.
Declan Rice pulled out of England duty right at the start of the three-week hiatus. Although the 27-year-old has been dealing with a hamstring problem, there is no major concern over his availability for Leeds.
Cristhian Mosquera, Ben White and Piero Hincapie have all returned to training over the break and are “available”
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Leeds United (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
David Raya featured in just one of Spain’s four Nations League fixtures, a 3-1 home win over Czechia. He is a certainty to start in Arsenal’s goal against Leeds.
Defence
Riccardo Calafiori was heavily involved for Italy in Nations League fixtures, notably scoring a flying header in the 3-1 home win over Turkiye earlier this week. He is expected to retain his spot at left-back in the Arsenal lineup, with fit-again Jurrien Timber trusted to perform his duties from the right-back spot.
Konsa’s availability is unknown after he withdrew from the England squad last week, having sustained a dead leg. So, Mosquera could replace Konsa and partner Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of Arsenal’s defence at the weekend. The duo have to be at their best to tame an in-form Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Midfield
Rice should be fit enough to start, trying to dictate the tempo of the game. He is expected to partner academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly in the Gunners’ engine room, with Bruno Guimaraes dropping to the bench.
Martin Odegaard bagged an assist for Kristoffer Ajer’s wonder goal in Norway’s 2-1 defeat to Portugal on Sunday. He should be back leading the Arsenal side against Leeds.
Attack
With Havertz and Tzolis injured, Arteta will be forced to make changes to his first XI. Havertz’s possible absence should open the door for Viktor Gyokeres to start his first Premier League game this season. Eberechi Eze appears the strongest candidate to replace Tzolis on the left flank in the Arsenal lineup, but Bukayo Saka should continue in his favoured right-wing role.
Eze and Saka will need to provide service in the box for Gyokeres to thrive. Noni Madueke, Mikel Merino and Max Dowman could get minutes off the bench, as Arsenal aim to get back to winning ways.
Big Changes Up Front: 4-2-3-1 Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Leeds United 1
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