Ace Football previews the Premier League match between Leeds United and Arsenal, and offers the latest stats, tips, and team news.
Two clubs in need of a win in Leeds United and Arsenal lock horns at Elland Road on Sunday evening for a Premier League match.
Despite promising starts to their respective campaigns, both teams have tailed off. Leeds, for instance, were in the top-six in the standings at one point but now sit 15th. It’s been a similar story for Arsenal, who are down in 12th-place.
The match that could go either way, as both sides are on similar runs of form in three defeats in their last four games, missing key players, and determined to bounce back.
The last time they met was in an FA Cup tie at Elland Road in 2010/11 and Arsenal, who were then coached by Arsene Wenger, emerged 3-1 winners over Simon Grayson’s Leeds.
Leeds United Form & Stats
Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed Rodrigo Moreno and Kalvin Phillips are available for selection. The latter’s return, in particular, is a welcome boost. Phillips plays a key role as a holding midfielder, and his three-game absence coincided with 4-1 defeats to Leicester City and Crystal Palace. He has recovered from a shoulder injury and is ready to be called upon.
Inconsistency, meanwhile, has dogged Leeds since their Premier League return. Three wins, a draw, and four defeats have come in their eight games so far. And 4-1 losses in their last two fixtures suggest they’re losing momentum.
Another worrying matter is the Whites boasting the league’s second-worst defensive record on 17 conceded goals. Nine of those have come at Elland Road alone. In fact, they haven’t kept a clean sheet at home in the Premier League since December 2003.
Although Leeds have scored 14 goals and fared well against Liverpool and Manchester City earlier this season. Holding a seven-point cushion over the relegation zone, meanwhile, eases the pressure. It’s just a matter of getting back on form now.
Key Team Stats
- Lost three of their last four league games (W1).
- Won just one of their four home league games this season (D1 L2).
- Over 2.5 goals scored in their last three league games.
- BTTS in five of their eight league games this season.
- Conceded the joint-most penalties (4) alongside Manchester United, Manchester City, Wolves, & Brighton.
Arsenal Form & Stats
An embarrassing 3-0 home defeat to Aston Villa last time out will still be fresh on Mikel Arteta’s mind. He has seen his tactics and selections questioned ever since. Particularly in his omission of Mesut Ozil, who hasn’t played a single match since March 7.
The Gunners boss now faces his Leeds counterpart Bielsa, a coach whom his mentor Pep Guardiola greatly admires, and will be determined to get a positive result at the first time of asking.
The pressure is certainly on Arsenal to deliver in Elland Road. They’ve been far from invincible and dropped points in games that shouldn’t have been. It’s left them in 12th-place in the standings with four wins and defeats. That said, the club could move as high as seventh by claiming victory over Leeds.
A 1-0 win over Manchester United in their last away league match could provide the squad with some inspiration.
Although Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s penalty at Old Trafford has been their only league goal since beating Sheffield United 2-1 on October 4 at the Emirates Stadium.
Key Team Stats
- Lost three of their last four league games (W1).
- Only one goal in their last four league games.
- Failed to score in the first half in their last five league games.
- Won two of their four away league games this season (L2).
Team News
Leeds United: Diego Llorente & Jamie Shackleton (out).
Arsenal: Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny, Sead Kolasinac, Calum Chambers, Reiss Nelson, Pablo Mari, & Gabriel Martinelli (out); Willian (doubt).
Predicted Line-up
(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)
Top Goalscorers in Recent Games
Head-To-Head Record
Below are some head-to-head stats on each team’s recent form in the Premier League.
Match Facts
Betting Tips
More Odds
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