Leeds United travel to Arsenal on Saturday for their first away game of the new Premier League season.
Leeds United are preparing for a major test of their Premier League credentials as they head to Arsenal in their first away game since returning to the top flight.
The Whites made a promising start to the new season as summer signing Lukas Nmecha got the only goal of Monday night’s hard earned home win against Everton. The atmosphere at full-time will live long in the memory as the Elland Road faithful celebrated a deserved win that showed why there is so much confidence Daniel Farke’s men can make an impact amongst the elite this season.
Whereas Everton have been tipped to struggle during the campaign, the same can not be said of Saturday’s opponents as Arsenal are widely expected to challenge the likes of Manchester City and reigning champions Liverpool for the title this season. The Gunners gave an early sign of their intent last weekend when they claimed a win at Manchester United and Saturday’s meeting with Leeds could see the likes of striker Viktor Gyokeres, midfielder Martin Zubimendi and winger Noni Madueke making their home debuts after joining the club during the summer transfer window.
With just hours to go until kick-off at the Emirates Stadium, former Arsenal forward and current Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has given his take on his old club’s meeting with Leeds.
Paul Merson’s Arsenal v Leeds United prediction
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson is pitchside ahead of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal FC at Old Trafford on May 12, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)placeholder image
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson is pitchside ahead of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal FC at Old Trafford on May 12, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images) | Manchester United via Getty Imag
He told SportsKeeda: “Eze is an absolute massive signing for Arsenal, he has the X-factor they need! It looks like the Alexander Isak deal will eventually happen and with an injury to Kai Havertz, Arsenal had no choice but to go get him. But what it does is, it kind of helps them cover all bases. Mikel Arteta has all the players he wanted at his disposal now. I can't express how big a signing this is for Arsenal, unbelievable. I haven't been so excited about a signing in such a long time!
“This is a good game for Arsenal to begin their league campaign at home. It's even better because Leeds just won because they will feel more confident and may go have a free swing at this game. If Leeds come out and try to play their football at the Emirates, the game will really open up for Arsenal's quality to shine through. If Leeds had lost to Everton, they would have opted to sit back but now this game is more like a free-hit to them.
“I'm backing Viktor Gyokeres to score. He did not get any quality chances against Manchester United, but that won't be the case against Leeds. It's not easy coming to a club like Arsenal and making an impact straightaway. Even though Arsenal have now got everyone they wanted in the transfer window, only time will tell if they really did the best business. I say that because it's now up to the players to perform and prove their credentials. I don't think Eze's arrival will affect Martin Odegaard's role. I expect Eze to play off the left, with Saka on the right and Gyokeres up top. I liked Odegaard's performance against Manchester United, he was one of the few shining lights in that win. Nothing but another Arsenal win here.”
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