Aug 21, 2025, 04:55 PM
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Arsenal host Leeds United for their first home game of the 2025-26 Premier League season on Saturday. Both sides started their campaign with 1-0 wins.
Arsenal fans, buoyed by a busy summer transfer window and the imminent arrival ofEberechi Eze, will be expecting a much stronger performance from their team than what they saw at Old Trafford on the opening weekend. They may have continued their incredible unbeaten run against their traditional "big six" rivals to 22 games, but Mikel Arteta will want to see his team create more chances from open play.
Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal Stu Forster/Getty Images
Arsenal are imperious against promoted sides -- they are unbeaten in 42 straight Premier League home games against them. But in Leeds they face a side high on confidence and enthusiasm. They too have been busy in the summer window, with AC Milan's Noah Okafor their latest acquisition. An upset at the Emirates would prove an invaluable boost, even if the last time they won an away match against Arsenal was at Highbury in 2003.
Here's everything you need to about the game:
How to watch:
The match will be available on Sky Sports in the UK, NBC in the United States, JioHotstar in India, and Stan Sport in Australia. You can also follow ESPN's live updates.
Key Details:
Date: Saturday, Aug 23 at 5.30 p.m. BST (12.30 p.m. E.T.; 10:00 p.m. IST and 2.30 a.m. AEST, Sunday)
Venue: Emirates stadium, London
Referee: Jarred Gillett
VAR: Craig Pawson
Injury news:
Arsenal
Kai Havertz, F: knee, Out
Christian Norgaard, M: knock, Doubt
Gabriel Jesus, F: ACL, Out, est. return late Sep
Leandro Trossard, F: muscle, Doubt
Leeds United
Leeds have a fully fit squad available.
Expected Lineups:
Leeds United
GK: Lucas Perri
RB:Jayden Bogle | CB: Joe Rodon | CB: Pascal Struijk | LB: Gabriel Gudmundsson
CM: Anton Stach | CM: Ethan Ampadu | CM: Ao Tanaka
RW:Daniel James | CF: Lukas Nmecha | LW: Wilfried Gnonto
Arsenal
GK:David Raya
RB:Jurriën Timber | CB:William Saliba | CB:Gabriel | LB:Myles Lewis-Skelly
CM:Martin Odegaard | CM:Martin Zubimendi | CM:Declan Rice
RW:Bukayo Saka | CF:Viktor Gyökeres | LW:Gabriel Martinelli
Stats:
Since a 1-0 loss to Newcastle in November 2010, Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 42 Prem home games against promoted sides (W37, D5). They are now just a match away from equalling Chelsea's record of 43 set between 2001 and 2015.
Arsenal's xG from set plays was more than any other side on the first matchday (1.02) but their open play xG was the third lowest (0.28), ahead only of Aston Villa and Everton.
Mikel Arteta has a better record against Leeds than any other Arsenal manager (P8, W7, D1).
Latest news and analysis:
- Which early issues need solving for some top Premier League clubs?
Arsenal were extremely poor in their 1-0 win at Manchester United on Sunday. A measly 39% possession highlighted how difficult they found it to get on the ball...
- Arsenal hijack Tottenham's Eberechi Eze move, agree deal - sources
On a dramatic day of activity, Spurs on Wednesday morning were confident of finalising a deal after reaching an agreement with Palace -- and personal terms with Eze.
- Leeds transfers: AC Milan striker Noah Okafor joins new EPL side
Leeds have signed Switzerland forward Noah Okafor from AC Milan for a reported fee which could rise to £18 million ($24.2m).
- Leeds United beat Everton in return to Premier League
Lukas Nmecha converted a controversial late penalty on his debut as Leeds United made a winning return to the Premier League by beating Everton 1-0 at Elland Road.