Paul Merson
Paul Merson
The Premier League returns after an extended three-week international break this weekend and the action kicks off with what looks like it could be an entertaining encounter.
The Premier League weekend kicks off with Arsenal playing host to Leeds United in the 12.30pm kick-off on Saturday afternoon. The Gunners will be looking to get back to winning ways, after going into the international break with a 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion - their first defeat of the new season.
The Whites, meanwhile, have started the season strongly and are unbeaten in their opening five matches, sitting fifth in the table after two wins and three draws.
After battling for most of last season against relegation, Daniel Farke has got his side playing to his tune so far in 2026/27 and they will provide a stern test for the reigning Premier League champions in north London.
And former Arsenal star Paul Merson believes Leeds could have an advantage when it comes to kick-off, because of the lack of time Arsenal will have to prepare for a lunchtime kick-off right after the international break ended.
Leeds actually had more players on international duty than Arsenal in this break, with 21 going out to represent their countries, compared to the 15 for the Gunners. However, only three of their regular starters played in this third week of internationals, meaning they should be fresh as they make the trip to north London.
And that is where the visitors' advantage lies, according to Sky Sports pundit Merson.
He said: "A lot of players go away on international break at Arsenal, so they literally get today (Thursday) and a little bit tomorrow (Friday) running through set plays and patterns and then they're kicking off at 12.30pm on Saturday, so there hasn't been a lot of time."
Declan Rice was left out of England's squad for the Nations League matches during this international break, as was Piero Hincapie for Ecuador, while Christos Tzolis, Ezri Konsa and Kai Havertz all returned to the north London club early after picking up knocks with their respective countries, with teenager Max Dowman also leaving England's U19 camp early.
It remains to be seen whether any of the five will be available to play against Leeds on Saturday. William Saliba, Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera all remain sidelined.
For Leeds, new signing Jean-Matteo Bahoya was also forced to leave france's U21 camp early with an ankle injury.