Arsenal Vs Leeds United Prediction: First Test For Newcomers At Emirates

Riccardo Calafiori, and Declan Rice (right) two Arsenal stars in the opening match (photo: x @Arsenal)

JAKARTA - Arsenal will play their first home game in the Premier League for the 2025/2026 season by hosting the Leeds United promotion team at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday night, August 23. Both teams won a narrow 1-0 win in the opening week. The Gunners managed to steal three points at Old Trafford thanks to a Riccardo Calafiori goal, while Leeds took advantage of Lukas Nmecha's penalty to beat Everton in a controversial match.

For Arsenal, victory at Old Trafford feels like the maximum result of a performance that is not entirely convincing. Mikel Arteta's team failed to create many chances from open play, but again proved their efficacy in a set piece situation.

Calafiori's goal was decisive, despite debate over William Saliba's alleged violation of goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. But thanks to David Raya's brilliant saves and the poor finish of Manchester United strikers, Arsenal were able to smile home with three points.

The result made Arsenal continue their impressive record against fellow Big Six teams. They are now unbeaten in their last 22 Premier League matches against traditional rivals. In addition, the Gunners also recorded three consecutive league wins, although all of them only with one goal margin.

Their last convincing win at home with a goal difference of two or more occurred more than six months ago while destroying Manchester City 5-1. Even so, even a narrow win will extend their record against the promotion team. Currently Arsenal are unbeaten in 42 Premier League home games against a promotional team, only one game adrift of an all-time record Chelsea has ever recorded.

In the Leeds camp, the victory over Everton is also inseparable from controversy. Nmecha's penalty came after James Tarkowski was considered to have done a handball, even though his hand was next to his body. The decision sparked debate, but overall Leeds did appear more worthy to win.

It was their first Premier League win in more than two years. But a tough test awaits as their trip to London usually ends badly. Leeds have lost their last seven Premier League games while playing in the capital.

History also did not side with Leeds when they faced Arsenal. The Whites have swallowed six consecutive defeats against the Gunners in all competitions and have never won in the last 14 meetings. Leeds' last win over Arsenal was recorded more than two decades ago, in Highbury in 2003 to be exact.

From the team's fitness side, Arsenal got bad news with Kai Havertz's new injury to his knee. There is no clarity about the severity, but it is certain that he will not be able to perform this weekend. On the other hand, Arsenal managed to overtake Tottenham to bring in Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace. Although the deal has been reached, the England international may not yet make his debut because the adaptation process is still very early. Ben White and Christian Norgaard are also doubtful due to fitness issues, while Gabriel Jesus still has to be sidelined for several months due to ACL injuries.

Leeds also lost one of their pillars, Ethan Ampadu, who was injured by MCL and was only able to return after the international break. Ilia Gruev will most likely replace her in midfield. The rest, Daniel Farke was able to field the best squad. Jaka Bijol has returned from suspension, while Sebastiaan Bornauw has recovered from a calf injury. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who was just recruited, failed to make his debut against his former club, Everton, but now has a chance, although he has to compete with Noah Okafor who just arrived from AC Milan.

With such a long unbeaten record against the promotional team, Arsenal are certainly favorite. Although their attacking performance has not yet fully clicked, the match at the Emirates could be an event for the Gunners to appear more dominant. Leeds may be trying to trouble with a quick counter-attack, but Arsenal's quality in all lines is predicted to be too difficult to balance.

Prediction Of Lineup

Arsenal (4-3-3)Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli

Leeds United (4-3-3)Perri; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Gudmundsson; Stage, Gruev, Tanaka; Gnonto, Nmecha, Harrison