
Arsenal will be aiming to bounce back to winning ways in the Premier League, having lost 3-2 to bitter rivals Manchester United in their last league fixture. That loss followed back-to-back draws for the Gunners against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, respectively. Mikel Arteta’s team still find themselves four points clear of Manchester City and Aston Villa, and will be eager to pick up a massive three points at Elland Road. Leeds currently sit in 16th position, and three points here would go a long way to helping them survive this season.
In his pre-match press conference, Daniel Farke confirmed that Jaka Bijol and Lukas Nmecha will not be available for selection against Arsenal. There was some good news with the Leeds boss confirming that Nmecha should be back to take on Nottingham Forest in a huge game next time out.
Farke also discussed the progression of youngster Alfie Cresswell, teasing an imminent debut:
“He is part of our training group and is progressing well. It doesn’t mean he will have a debut against Arsenal, but there are chances to be involved in matchday squads right now and get a few minutes.”
After the Gunners’ 3-2 win over Kairat Almaty, Mikel Arteta confirmed his squad came through the game unscathed:
“We didn’t have any surprises there, hopefully everybody will train well today and be available for tomorrow.”
Discussing the availability of William Saliba and Jurrien Timber:
“They are OK, obviously they have been playing a lot of minutes,” Mikel said on Friday morning, “they’ve been carrying a few niggles.
“It was a really good opportunity (against Kairat) to offload them a little bit and refresh them.”
Addressing the vital return of Riccardo Calafiori, Arteta said:
“Richy has been instrumental, especially in the way we attack.
“He has unique qualities to occupy spaces and to create things that probably the qualities of the other full-backs are different. So when we need them, they will be there.
“Now he’s fit, he’s available and we’ll have to wait and see when we can use him.”
Leeds United: Darlow; Bogle, Rodon, Justin, Struijk, Gudmundsson; Ampadu, Gruev, Stach; Aaronson, Calvert-Lewin.
Subs: Peri, Byram, Bornauw, Longstaff, Tanaka, Buonanotte, Okafor, Gnonto, Piroe.
Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Rice, Havertz, Saka, Trossard, Gyokeres.
Subs: Arrizabalaga, White, Calafiori, Mosquera, Odegaard, Eze, Madueke, Martinelli, Jesus.
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