Leeds United’s return to the Premier League continues with a tough away fixture against Arsenal, where the Whites will hope to build on their impressive opening day victory. Lukas Nmecha proved to be the hero as Daniel Farke’s side defeated Everton, and getting three points on the board will have given Leeds confidence that they belong at this level. Here is our Leeds United predicted lineup vs Arsenal.
Leeds United Predicted Lineup for Tough Away Trip to Arsenal
How Leeds Have Lined Up Recently
Eight of Leeds’ starting eleven against Everton had been in last season’s Championship-winning squad, highlighting that the Whites have been keen to retain the unity and on-field partnerships that made them such an effective side last campaign. There is, however, a notable change in between the sticks this season, with new keeper Lucas Perri enjoying an impressive debut against the Toffees.
In front of him, left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson was the only new signing in Leeds’ defence, with the formidable Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk completing the back four alongside star right-back Jayden Bogle. In midfield, Farke opted for a three-man setup, with Ethan Ampadu at the base of the trio. The Leeds skipper optimised the club’s newfound focus on physicality, launching into tackles and dominating Everton’s midfield with apparent ease.
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Anton Stach and Ao Tanaka were utilised alongside the Welshman, with both putting in highly impressive performances and playing with fearsome intensity. Whilst the club’s defence and midfield utterly outplayed David Moyes’s side, Leeds’ attack did leave a little to be desired, with just three of their 21 shots being on target.
Daniel James and Willy Gnonto started out wide with last season’s top goalscorer Joel Piroe through the middle, but this now looks unlikely to be Farke’s first-choice attacking setup going forward. With new signing Nmecha scoring on his debut and recently recruited forwards Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor coming into the side, there will now be much-needed competition for the three attacking positions.
Leeds Recent Form and Tactics
Leeds were utterly dominant against Everton, finishing the game with 21 shots, 55% possession, and 481 completed passes. However, Farke is bound to tweak his tactics for what promises to be a far tougher fixture against Arsenal, who put in a gutsy performance to see off Manchester United on the opening day.
The Whites will likely elect to sit back and attempt to hurt Mikel Arteta’s side on the break, but it will be interesting to see how the German manager sets up for what will be the toughest opposition he has faced in his two years as Leeds boss. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he said: “We won’t sell out our DNA and park the bus. If you just try to defend you have no chance to survive there.”
New centre-half Jaka Bijol will also return from his suspension, meaning that Farke may weigh up the option of switching to a back five to reinforce Leeds’ defensive structure.
Leeds Injuries and Absences to Consider
Captain Ampadu has picked up an MCL injury and will be absent until at least September. Farke said he hoped that the midfielder would be back after the international break.
Sebastiaan Bornauw is stepping up his recovery from a calf injury suffered in training and made the bench against Everton.
Leeds United Predicted Lineup vs Arsenal
GK: Lucas Perri
RB: Jayden Bogle
CB: Joe Rodon
CB: Pascal Struijk
LB: Gabriel Gudmundsson
CM: Ilia Gruev
CM: Ao Tanaka
CM: Anton Stach
RW: Daniel James
LW: Willy Gnonto
ST: Lukas Nmecha