Ex-Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson expects his former club to secure the three points against Leeds this weekend.
Writing in his Sportskeeda column, Merson suggested that Leeds’ victory over Everton in their opening league fixture could actually help Mikel Arteta’s men:
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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 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… Nothing but another Arsenal win here.”
What score has Merson predicted for Arsenal vs Leeds?
The Sky Sports pundit has gone with a 3-0 win to the Gunners, which is a result that will delight supporters.
Getting two wins from two at the start of the campaign will only bolster hopes of a title challenge. Saying that, the performance against Leeds will be just as important as the scoreline, with Arteta’s side having looked rather flat at Old Trafford last weekend despite beating Manchester United.
Arsenal vs Leeds team news
Arteta has confirmed that Christian Norgaard is still unavailable. The summer signing did not make the matchday squad for the opening fixture, and he will again be missing on Saturday evening.
Ben White is a doubt, having missed training this week, while Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are long-term absentees with knee injuries.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke has confirmed that Ethan Ampadu will be sidelined until the international break with a knee problem he picked up against Everton.
Sebastiaan Bornauw (calf) was on the bench on Monday so he could be ready to make his first start, while Jaka Bijol is available after suspension.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is still building up his fitness, having been a free agent for most of the summer before making the switch to Elland Road.
Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here