Dominic Calvert-Lewin in a Leeds kit with Daniel Farke looking upset.
(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media/Imago)
Declan Carr
Sat 23 August 2025 16:27, UK
Leeds United have confirmed their starting line-up for the clash with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Daniel Farke‘s side secured a 1-0 victory on their return to the Premier League, with a controversial Lukas Nmecha penalty enough to overcome Everton.
However, Arsenal will be a much tougher test as they finished second last season and will be looking to take the crown this time out.
If they want to do that, they need to be beating newly-promoted sides like Leeds.
Lukas Nmecha in Leeds United shirt
Nmecha was the hero last time out. (Credit: Hasan Karim)
Daniel Farke makes Calvert-Lewin decision
Farke has chosen to leave Jaka Bijol on the bench from the starting line-up, despite the defender being available for selection.
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The defence is unchanged with Gabriel Gudmundsson keeping his spot at left-back after an impressive debut against the Blues.
Ethan Ampadu is ruled out with injury, so Ilia Gruev replaces him in the engine room alongside Anton Stach and Ao Tanaka.
The front three of Daniel James, Joel Piroe and Wilfried Gnonto could cause the Gunners harm, but there is no Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the squad.
That could be a bad decision, as his experience and hold-up play could have been crucial against such a strong opposition.
Arsenal clash is a free hit for Leeds
After their impressive opening day win over Everton, the clash with the Gunners should be regarded as a free hit for the Whites.
They have no right to get a result against Mikel Arteta’s side, who are expected to compete for the title against Liverpool and Manchester City.
However, not including Calvert-Lewin in the squad seems like a mistake, as his top-flight experience would have been handy
Calvert-Lewin has made 14 appearances against Arsenal
Two goals and one assist in those games
Been on the winning side on five occasions against the Gunners
The LS11 outfit will not be expecting to win these kinds of games, and will look to matches against relegation rivals and mid-table teams to pick up the points that they need to survive.
If they can secure a result against the North London outfit, it will be a massive bonus for Farke’s side, but it is not the be-all and end-all in their hopes for the season.
Three points would be a major surprise for the Peacocks, especially at the Emirates, but it would be a huge result if they could pull off a shock.
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