Tipsy Arsenal Travel to Leeds | OneFootball

Title-chasing Arsenal travel to Elland Road seeking a first league win in four games, as they take on a Leeds United side battling relegation.

The hosts have been tough to beat in recent weeks, having only lost twice in their last 11 Premier League matches, a run that stretches back to the start of December.

Arsenal Looking for a Bounce

Arsenal, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing 3-2 home defeat to Manchester United, a result that cut their lead at the top to four points, going into this weekend’s fixtures.

However, manager Mikel Arteta is determined to ensure that Sunday’s loss does not derail the Gunners’ season and said: “My role is to bring optimism and reality of where we are. Our club has a long history, and to find a moment at this stage of the season where we are in this position, is difficult to find. We are doing so many things so well, let’s focus on that.”

Leeds Have No Illusions

Despite Arsenal’s recent dip in form, Leeds boss Daniel Farke (pictured right) is under no illusions about the size of the challenge his side faces this Saturday.

In his pre-match press conference, Farke said: “Playing Arsenal is one of the toughest tasks you can have, but we also know that if we are at our very best, especially at home at Elland Road, we can fight for points against any team.

“We know we need an outstanding day to have a chance but we know we are capable of doing this.”

Arsenal’s Injury Woes Receding

Arsenal secured a 3-2 win over Kairat in midweek, a result that meant they finished their Champions League group phase with a perfect record.

The game had little at stake for either side, but the standout news was forward Kai Havertz’s (pictured right) return from injury, as he marked his first start of the season with a goal and an assist in the first half.

Arteta said: “He (Havertz) started the other day, it’s been a long period out. Now we need to manage his load. There was no reaction to that (his knee) and now we hope he can help the team.”

Defenders Jurrien Timber and William Saliba missed midweek, but both are expected to return this weekend, as Arteta confirmed: “They are okay. They have played a lot of minutes, and were carrying a few niggles and it was a great opportunity [to rest them].”

Ricardo Callafiori also came back from injury, meaning the visitors could field a near-full squad, with only teenage winger Max Dowman, who has signed a pre-agreement for his first professional contract on Friday, still sidelined.

Leeds’ Recent Form

Leeds were last in action on Monday, with a late Thierno Barry equaliser denying them victory away at Everton.

During the one-all draw, Facundo Buonanotte (right, in white) made his Leeds debut following his loan from Brighton, and the hosts may have to rely on him this weekend with fellow attacking midfielder Lukas Nmecha set to be sidelined.

Farke said: “Lucas reported some problems with the hamstring during the warm-up at Everton. This was the reason I didn’t bring him on.

“It is not a major thing, we have assessed him. He will also definitely miss the Arsenal game, but we hope that we have him back for Nottingham Forest.”

Leeds are likely to also be without Daniel James, Jaka Bijol and Gabriel Gudmundsson with the trio still working to regain fitness.

What to Expect

Leeds have not beaten Arsenal at home since 2000, and the visitors will need to maintain that record as doubts continue to mount over their title challenge.

Arsenal ran out 5-0 winners in the reverse fixture in just the second gameweek of the Premier League, a game where Viktor Gyökeres scored his first two league goals for Arsenal.

As both sides face pressure for very different reasons, Saturday’s clash could carry major consequences at both the top and bottom of the table.

Hooligan Soccer on Arsenal’s Defending