Dan James and Brenden Aaronson. Credit: IMAGO
Leeds United will be hoping to continue their incredible start to the season when they visit the Emirates on Saturday. They have a huge task ahead of them as they face Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
The Gunners have been one of the best teams in the league, and have slipped up just once.
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They lost to Brighton in their final game ahead of the international break, dropping three points behind league leaders Manchester City.
This weekend gives the Gunners a perfect opportunity to get back to winning ways in front of their home crowd. But Leeds and Daniel Farke will not make it easy for anyone.
Daniel Farke must make huge lineup decision for Arsenal game
Dan James and Brenden Aaronson. Credit: IMAGO
Both teams have some injury doubts ahead of the game, Farke will hope to have Jean-Matteo Bahoya and Joe Rodon available.
Mikel Arteta is also sweating on the fitness of Kai Havertz and Ezri Konsa.
These big games always require a tactical tweak or a change in team selection to stifle the opponent. And Saturday presents the perfect opportunity for Daniel Farke to pull one on Arsenal.
There is a case to be made that Brenden Aaronson should start the game on Saturday.
With Harry Wilson having just returned from injury, and Dan James out, there are not a lot of forward options to go with. Aaronson can slot in alongside Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor.
His role could also allow him to drop deeper to play almost in a midfield three alongside Stach and Ampadu.
Getting out of Saturday’s game with a result will be no doubt the priority, and Farke must enforce some changes in that regard.
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Why Brenden Aaronson is needed in games like these
This is a game that many expect Leeds to be on the back foot from the first whistle.
Which means that the Whites will need all the help they can get off the ball. Having a midfield of Anton Stach and Ethan Ampadu is a huge help in these games, but an extra body will be required.
Aaronson is incredibly good at what he does off the ball and tactically in the system.
Even though he is not prolific, he thrives in transition – he can carry the ball and make the right decision during counter attacks. And as seen last season, he can finish chances.
Playing him on Saturday will give Leeds stability in the middle as well as an added threat on the counter.