Takehiro Tomiyasu will start as the left-back, while Gabriel Jesus will line up as the striker when Arsenal and Leeds United meet on Sunday.
The primary worry for Arsenal fans midweek was the potential injuries an artificial pitch could incur. The Gunners secured a narrow victory over Bodo/Glimt and returned unscathed from their trip to Norway. Arsenal are on the road again for a tricky fixture against Leeds United, aiming to keep their place at the summit.
Mikel Arteta’s press conference was dominated by talk of the opposition and their manager Jesse Marsch. The Arsenal boss also touched upon injury news. Gabriel Jesus was under the spotlight after missing the midweek trip to Bodo/Glimt, as his involvement at the weekend was cast in doubt.
Leeds United vs Arsenal Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
Arteta admitted the Brazilian could be a doubt for the clash. Further updates showed Jesus had travelled with the squad. On the striker’s situation, he said, “I don’t know, obviously he has some discomfort after the game against Liverpool and that’s why we decided not to bring him in [to Norway], so let’s see how he is tomorrow and Saturday.”
Oleksandr Zinchenko also remains a significant doubt, with the Ukrainian international certainly not in contention. The Bodo/Glimt clash provided few hints as to who might start at left-back. With Kieran Tierney starting, Arteta wanted to manage Takehiro Tomiyasu’s time. The Japanese defender may start against Leeds, much like last weekend.
The rest of the team effectively picks itself up, with Aaron Ramsdale and Gabriel Magalhaes returning to the starting lineup. Ben White and William Saliba will retain their places, meaning it will be the same backline that started against Liverpool last weekend.
Thomas Partey will hold the midfield together, with Martin Odegaard and Granit Xhaka on either side of the Ghanaian midfielder. Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli will be the attacking trio up front for Arsenal against Leeds United. If Jesus fails to make the grade, Eddie Nketiah will get the chance he has been craving for for a long time.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Odegaard, Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
