Arsenal are desperately looking to return to winning ways when they take on Leeds United at Emirates on Sunday. It could be a vital affair for the home side whose recovery in January has been derailed by two back to back defeats in the Premier League. A win this weekend could thus be critical as they look to continue their surge in the league table.
Leeds United are looking to rain on their parade having enjoyed an excellent run of form recently. They have secured four wins in their last five Premier League matches, which has helped them stay ahead of Arsenal in the league table. Collecting all three points at Emirates on Sunday could help them further extend their gap as they look to break the record of most points collected by a newly promoted side in the Premier League.
Arsenal Vs Leeds United Tactical Preview
Talking Tactics
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta is unlikely to shift away from the 4-2-3-1 setup that has offered him additional creativity, thanks to the presence of the playmaker in the number ten position. The traditional formation has also seen Arteta deviate from his earlier tactic of a pendulation backline that restricted the movement of the left-back, so we can expect both the fullbacks to march forward.
Leeds United
Leeds United, on the other hand, are set to persist with the 4-1-4-1 but with Kalvin Phillips a significant doubt heading into the clash, coach Marcelo Bielsa may instead prefer a 4-2-3-1. The changed formation could see Stuart Dallas and Mateusz Klich operating in the double-pivot, although alternatively, he can operate Pascal Struijk in the holding midfield slot.
Team News
Arsenal
Arsenal will be boosted by the return of Bernd Leno and David Luiz following their one-game suspension. At the same time, though, Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney are unlikely to return to action, with the latter yet to resume full training.
Predicted Lineup: Leno; Bellerin, Holding, Luiz, Cedric; Ceballos, Xhaka; Pepe, Smith Rowe, Saka; Lacazette
Leeds United
As mentioned earlier, Phillips is unlikely to feature and could join the likes of Robin Koch and Diego Llorente on the sidelines. Bielsa isn’t likely to make too many changes, but the absence of Phillips could pave the way for Pablo Hernandez to earn a rare start in the number ten position as Rodrigo Moreno is also out injured.
Predicted Lineup: Meslier; Ayling, Struijk, Cooper, Alioski; Klich, Dallas; Raphinha, Hernandez, Harrison; Bamford
Key Men
Arsenal
Although unlikely to start this weekend, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is undeniably the most important player for Arsenal heading into this clash. The Gabonese international has missed a few matches due to personal reasons but is hoping to return to scoring form against one of the leakiest defences in the league.
Leeds United
Leeds United may also rely on the services of their star striker in Patrick Bamford, who has been in inspiring form in recent weeks. His partnership with the likes of Harrison and Raphinha, in particular, could play a key role in the team’s high octane attacking approach.
