Leeds United are aiming for their fourth win in five league matches when they take on Arsenal at Emirates on Sunday. The Whites have recovered from their terrible start to 2021 and now have the chance to create a significant lead over the likes of Southampton, Arsenal and Crystal Palace, should they secure all three points this weekend.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup Vs Arsenal
Defence
The likes of Robin Koch and Diego Llorente will continue their spell on the sidelines for Leeds United, but Marcelo Bielsa, this time, has Gaetano Berardi back. The longest-serving player in the current squad is back in team training and could be an option on Sunday, although it remains likely that Liam Cooper and Pascal Struijk would once again operate at centre-back.
Cooper has been in fantastic form, of late, and his composure in central defence has allowed Luke Ayling to play his natural game at right-back. The Englishman will once again look to make an impact on the flanks, alongside Ezgjan Alioski, who has become a regular for Bielsa’s first-team this season.
Illan Meslier should continue in goal as the Frenchman looks to continue on his impressive form since the turn of the year. Back to back clean sheets could be the ideal result for the youngster.
Midfield
It’s too early to decide the extent of Kalvin Phillips’ injury, but the Englishman is likely to miss this clash against Arsenal. His absence should see Stuart Dallas operating in the holding midfield position, alongside Mateusz Klich.
Klich performed well against Crystal Palace but may have to settle for a more defensive role in the potential absence of Phillips. It means Bielsa will have to find a solution in the number ten position and his job won’t be made any easier by the ongoing absence of Rodrigo Moreno.
Pablo Hernandez is the prime candidate to start, despite having missed out against Palace due to a minor injury problem. Jamie Shackleton is a potential alternative along with Tyler Roberts should the ageing Spaniard fail to recover in time.
Attack
Bielsa has no reason to tinker with his attacking trifecta of Raphinha, Jack Harrison and Patrick Bamford that has worked quite well in the past few matches. They will be key on the counter once again as Leeds United look to continue their excellent run of form with a win over Arsenal this weekend.
