Arsenal host Leeds United in a Saturday evening clash at the Emirates, with both sides aiming to achieve their respective goals for the season, a win on Saturday seems a must for Mikel Arteta's side - where as for Farke he will be hopeing to avoid defeat in this matchup and prove to the rest of the Premier League that his Leeds side are no pushovers.
Mikel Arteta's side, started the season with a tough fixture at Old Trafford, managing to win the game 1-0 thanks to a Riccardo Calafiori header. The North London side were poor on the day and lucky to get out of Manchester with the 3 points.
For Leeds United, however, Daniel Farke's opening match showed why they deserved to be champions of the EFL Championship and in the Premier League. Leeds dominated Premier League staple Everton at Elland Road winning the match 1-0 thanks to a Lukas Nmecha penalty.
Arsenal have considerably been the stronger of the two sides in recent meetings, with Leeds United failing to beat Arsenal since 2003, and never beaten the North London side at the Emirates.
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta's side suffered an injury hit season last campaign, which ultimately affected their chances in the title race. With hopes of bringing silverware to North London, Arsenal have strengthened their squad depth - but injuries are still affecting the Gunners and Arteta's plans.
New signing Christian Nørgaard suffered a knock which ruled him out for the trip to Old Trafford and will be a late decision whether he will be fit for the game this Saturday. Arsenal strikers Gabriel Jesus (ACL) and Kai Havertz (Knee) will be unavailable for the Gunners for a long period of time.
Leeds United
Leeds United have no injuries to report and have new signing Jaka Bijol available for selection after missing the Premier League opener due to suspension.
Likely Line-Ups
Arsenal (4-3-3)
Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard, Martinelli, Gyokeres, Saka
Leeds United (4-3-3)
Perri, Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Gudmundsson, Ampadu, Tanaka, Stach, James, Piroe, Gnonto
Key Players
Arsenal - Viktor Gyokeres
Arsenal fans have been crying out for a true striker for years and this summer they brought in one of the most prolific in Europe. The Swedish international had a tough game against Manchester United, where he failed to register a shot on goal in a match for the first time since April 2023.
But with injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, Arsenal currently have no other striker options that are available. Meaning this period has to be the time for Gyokeres to show his talent to the Arsenal fans and the Premier League.
With a game where Arsenal are the heavy favourites to win, where they will have the majority of the ball and will have creative players all around the Swede, the striker will get chances against Leeds and the numbers speak for themselves. The striker scored 97 goals in only 102 games for Sporting Lisbon. If presented with chances, he will score goals - Leeds must watch out for his movement in the box as that aspect of his game is the reason he gets so many chances.
Leeds United - Ao Tanaka
After a fantastic season in the EFL Championship last season, Tanaka carried on his form into the first game of the season against Everton. The Japanese midfielder was influential in the match, dictating the tempo in midfield and breaking up Everton’s counterattacks. His vision and constant energy in the midfield provided the platform for Leeds to dominate.
Arsenal have one of the strongest midfields in the Premier League with Zubimendi, Rice and Odegaard - Leeds will need to be defensively solid and have constant energy to keep up with the fast-paced movement off the ball that Arsenal look to bring, this is where Ao Tanaka excels.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The match is to be played at the Emirates Stadium, home of Arsenal FC.
What time is kick-off?
Kick off is at 17:30 GMT on Saturday 23rd August.
How can I watch?
Viewers will be able to watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Premier League channels.