Arsenal Starting XI vs Leeds United: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Arsenal Predicted XI vs Leeds United

Arsenal head to Elland Road with the Premier League title race delicately poised and their recent wobble adding an extra layer of tension to a fixture that rarely lacks edge. After three league games without a win, Mikel Arteta’s side know that anything less than three points against Leeds United will invite further pressure from their closest rivals.

This match also comes at a moment of subtle recalibration for Arsenal, with rotation in midweek giving way to a far stronger side expected to start in Yorkshire. The Predicted Lineup carries a few intriguing calls, particularly in attack, where form, fitness and minutes management are all part of the conversation.

Momentum and squad rotation

Arsenal’s midweek European outing allowed Arteta to rest several of his key figures, and that decision now looks tailored to this demanding away day. Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Gabriel are all in line to return to the starting XI, bringing with them energy, leadership and a degree of control that was missing during the recent winless stretch.

There was also a controlled reintroduction for Kai Havertz, who was taken off at half time as part of a carefully planned workload. Arteta confirmed afterwards, “Yeah he’s ready,” before adding, ”Obviously it’s been a long period and now we need to manage that load and the games that we’re going to select for him to start.

“But there was no reaction to [the Kairat match]. I think it was super positive, you could see straightaway the impact that he can have in the team. So yeah, he’s ready.” Those comments underline how close Havertz is to a full return, though a role off the bench remains a distinct possibility.

Predicted Lineup for Arsenal

The likely shape remains 4-3-3, with a blend of stability and subtle tweaks. David Raya should start in goal behind a defence featuring Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori, the latter potentially making his first Premier League appearance since December.

In midfield, Martin Zubimendi is expected to anchor the side, allowing Rice and Martin Odegaard to operate with more freedom. That trio provides balance and progressive passing, which could be vital against a Leeds United team that thrives on intensity.

Up front, Viktor Gyokeres is tipped to lead the line, offering a physical focal point and sharp movement in the box. Saka will take up his usual role on the right, while Leandro Trossard provides craft and a goal threat from the left.

Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard.

Leeds United challenge

Elland Road remains one of the Premier League’s more unforgiving venues, particularly for visiting title contenders. Leeds United will look to press aggressively and turn this into a chaotic contest, something Arsenal must avoid if they are to regain their rhythm.

Arteta’s men have the technical quality to play through that pressure, but they also need a level of composure that deserted them in recent weeks. With most of the first team back in place and only Max Dowman sidelined through injury, this feels like a chance to reassert their authority.