Leeds United take on Arsenal on the weekend with Daniel Farke’s side thrown in at the deep end. One of the most difficult fixtures of the entire calendar inserted just second time out.
Thankfully, ahead of incredibly tough games against Arsenal and then Newcastle at Elland Road, Leeds managed to get three points on the board against Everton thanks to Lukas Nmecha’s late penalty.
Now, Leeds are preparing to go to London, which has proved to be a difficult hunting ground for The Whites in the last few years. They will have to do so without captain Ethan Ampadu, who has an injury.
Daniel Farke confirmed Ampadu will be out until after the international break with an MCL injury, which he sustained following a poor tackle from Everton’s Tim Ireogbunam during the second half on Monday.
Paul Merson on punditry duty in the North London derby.
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Paul Merson predicts Arsenal clash against Leeds United
It is not all bad news, though, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s fitness improving. Jaka Bijol is back from a suspension that carried over following his arrival, and Noah Okafor’s move from Milan is done in time.
The win over Everton means Leeds could see the trip to Arsenal as a bit of a “free hit” according to Paul Merson. The Gunners legend told SportsKeeda that he thinks Arsenal will cruise to a 3-0 home win.
Daniel Farke, Leeds United manager.
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This is a good game for Arsenal to begin their league campaign at home. It’s even better because Leeds just won, they will feel more confident and may go have a free swing at this game,” Merson said.
“If Leeds try to play football at the Emirates, the game will open up for Arsenal’s quality to shine through. If Leeds had lost to Everton, they would have opted to sit back. Now this is more like a free-hit to them.”
Mikel Arteta during Manchester United v Arsenal - Premier League
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How Leeds will cope without Ethan Ampadu against Arsenal…
Ampadu lasted an extra 22 minutes on the pitch after he sustained the injury, finally being replaced by Ilia Gruev. It shows the kind of spirit that Ampadu has, but also that it is most likely that Gruev comes in.
But Anton Stach, Ao Tanaka and Sean Longstaff all have experience of playing in defensive midfield. For once in Farke’s spell as Leeds manager, he has options in the middle of the park, even without Ampadu.
With Pascal Struijk starring against Everton and Bijol now available, there is also scope to play three at the back. Ampadu’s injury may help facilitate that. It will be interesting to see how Leeds line up on Saturday.
Potential XI (3-4-2-1) to face Arsenal: Lucas Perri; Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, Pascal Struijk; Jayden Bogle, Anton Stach, Ao Tanaka, Gabriel Gudmundsson; Willy Gnonto, Dan James; Lukas Nmecha.