Prediction: Leeds vs Arsenal

Verdict: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Unibet

Looking to extend on their remarkable Premier League romp this weekend, Arsenal will make the trip to Elland Road on Sunday afternoon.

Leeds

Starting with the hosts, while Leeds might have opened the 2022/23 campaign enjoying a Premier League flurry, the Yorkshire-based outfit have rather drastically failed to keep up that momentum. Crashing back down to earth after their bright start, it appears there could be some growing pressure on Jesse Marsch’s shoulders at Elland Road. Continuing to slip their way down the table, there is no doubt that the former RB Leipzig boss will know that his downbeat squad face a huge task this weekend. Heading into September’s international break with a nightmare display as they were hit with a 5-2 drumming away at Brentford, Leeds have now failed to win any of their last five Premier League outings. Likewise, last seen throwing away the lead at Selhurst Park as they were eventually hit with a 2-1 loss at the hands of Crystal Palace, Marsch’s side should be bracing themselves on Sunday afternoon.

Team News

In what could be a real boost for Leeds on Sunday, Marsch’s side will welcome back Luis Sinisterra from suspension.

Marking his return from another injury set-back last weekend, Patrick Bamford will lead the Lilywhites’ charge at Elland Road. However, Leeds will be without the trio of Stuart Dallas, Leo Fuhr Hjelde and Adam Forshaw here.

Arsenal

As for the visitors, picking up another Europa League victory earlier in the week as they claimed a 1-0 win away at Bodo/Glimt, Arsenal are in the midst of what has been a stellar purple patch. With the mood around the Emirates at a red-hot high, the Gunners open this weekend’s fixtures holding a one-point buffer at the top of the table and with some in their camp even dreaming of a genuine title charge. Only continuing to gain a string of plaudits since opening the 2022/23 campaign, Mikel Arteta will be calling his high-flying squad to lay down another marker on Sunday afternoon. Now collecting 24 points from their opening nine Premier League matchups, the one-time Manchester City coach has also seen his side win five of their first six contests outside of north London. Likewise, it should also be highlighted, Arsenal have won each of their previous four meetings against Leeds.

Team News

After being given a rest for Arsenal’s 1-0 win away at Bodo/Glimt earlier in the week, Gabriel Jesus will return to Arteta’s starting XI on Sunday afternoon.

However, the Gunners will make the trip to Elland Road without the duo of Emile Smith Rowe and Mohamed Elneny. Likewise, Arsenal are still sweating over the fitness of Oleksandr Zinchenko due to a calf issue.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last faced off on May 8th, Arsenal picked up a 2-1 victory at the Emirates.
• Likewise, the Gunners have won each of their previous four meetings against Leeds by an aggregate score of 12-4.
• Leeds have failed to win any of their last five straight Premier League appearances, a run that has seen them muster just two points.
• Sunday’s hosts have managed to record just a single clean sheet from any of their last six domestic contests.
• England international Bukayo Saka has bagged three goals in his back-to-back appearances over the past week.

Conclusion

Extending on their stellar purple patch earlier in the week while on European duties, Arsenal should be smelling the chance to lay down another marker here. Opening this weekend’s fixtures holding a one-point buffer at the top of the Premier League table, Arteta’s high-flying squad will be looking to cash in on a Leeds side who are enduring a worrying blip. Without a win in any of their last five top-flight contests, Sunday’s hosts should also be worried by their continued struggles against the title outsiders. Losing each of their last four meetings by an aggregate score of 12-4, we’re backing a similar away victory for Arsenal here.

Verdict: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Unibet