Arsenal return to the Emirates this weekend looking to build on their opening win at Old Trafford, with Leeds United the visitors on Saturday evening.
Arsenal's English defender Ben White celebrates after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium in London on April 1, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images
Arsenal host Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening in their first home game of the Premier League season. Kick-off is at 17:30 BST.
Mikel Arteta’s side began the campaign with a 1-0 win at Manchester United, secured by a header from Riccardo Calafiori.
The display was built on defensive discipline (and a little luck) rather than attacking fluency.
Leeds also opened with a 1-0 victory, beating Everton at Elland Road thanks to a penalty, but they arrive in north London with a poor record in this fixture.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrates after teammate Riccardo Calafiori (2L) scored their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on August 17, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 14 meetings with Leeds in all competitions, winning 12 and the last six in succession.
Arsenal will be without Gabriel Jesus, who is still recovering from knee surgery. Kai Havertz is a major doubt after missing training this week with a knee problem, while Christian Nørgaard and Ben White are also being assessed.
Jurrien Timber also missed the open training session, but should at least be in the squad on Saturday.
Jurrien Timber back in training with Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal.com)
Photo via Arsenal.com
Leeds have fitness concerns of their own. Ethan Ampadu picked up a knock against Everton but may still feature, while Sebastiaan Bornauw, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are also doubts. Jaka Bijol, however, will return from suspension.
Arsenal are expected to start with David Raya in goal, a back four of White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães and Calafiori, with Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Martin Ødegaard in midfield.
Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli should lead the attack.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Viktor Gyokeres during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Villarreal at Emirates Stadium on August 06, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images
Leeds are likely to continue in a 4-3-3, with Lucas Perri in goal behind Jayden Bogle, Pascal Struijk, Joe Rodon and Gabriel Gudmundsson.
Ampadu, if fit, is expected to anchor midfield with Anton Stach and Ao Tanaka, while Daniel James, Joel Piroe and Wilfried Gnonto will form the front line.
With home advantage and greater depth, Arsenal are clear favourites. Most forecasts point towards a comfortable home win, with 2-0 widely predicted.
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