Leeds United continue their fight for Premier League survival against leaders, Arsenal at Elland Road.
Victory would lift Leeds up into 14th position until Sunday afternoon at minimum, whilst Arsenal will extend their title lead to seven points over Manchester City and Aston Villa – with the latter pair not in action until Sunday.
Team News
Lukas Nmecha is ruled out for Leeds after he suffered a hamstring injury during warmup for their 1-1 draw at Everton.
Gabriel Gudmundsson (adductor) and Dan James (hamstring) could return if fit but Jaka Bijol (hamstring) remains sidelined.
Arsenal will welcome William Saliba and Jurrien Timber back after the pair missed their Champions League win over Kairat Almaty due to knocks.
Mikel Merino and Declan Rice will definitely return after the midfield duo were suspended for that game.
Max Dowman (ankle) remains ruled out.
When is Kick-Off?
Leeds host Arsenal at Elland Road on Saturday 31 January at 3pm GMT, untelevised live in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Leeds are winless in their last nine league meetings against Arsenal (D1, L8).
- Arsenal are unbeaten in their last six league trips to Leeds (W4, D2).
- Bukayo Saka has scored in both of Arsenal’s last two visits to Leeds (W2).
- Leeds are unbeaten in their last five league games at home (W3, D2).
- Anything less than a win would see Arsenal go four league matches without a win for the first time since October – November 2024.
Prediction
Having scraped a point at Everton amidst some wasteful finishing despite an impressive attacking press and intensity when on top, Leeds now need to be more clinical as they can’t just rely on their recent home form to snatch anything here as this will be a tough test of their defence.
Arsenal meanwhile should of comfortably beaten Kairat so to concede two goals through a silly foul and then poor marking is a slight concern, especially after their defensively timid league loss to Manchester United last weekend but at least their attack looked stronger and more clinical.
Arsenal also have a solid recent away form at Leeds and if can cut out the defensive silliness, I fancy them to get a routine win here if they can soak up Leeds’ press.
Prediction: Leeds 1-3 Arsenal
Result: Leeds 0-4 Arsenal
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