Leeds United - v - Arsenal ***Matchday Thread***
Leeds United v Arsenal
31st Jan@15:00 | Elland Road
https://i.postimg.cc/xqWGqQCv/Arsenal-PL-1.png
Arsenal will face a very different Leeds side to the one they thrashed 5-0 at the Emirates back in August when they visit Elland Road at the weekend. The hosts personnel may be the same, but with one loss from their last eleven (in all competitions), Leeds have shown incredible guts and determination both on and off the pitch to turn their fortunes around. Historically, Leeds struggle against Arsenal at home, with their last victory coming in November 2000, and an aggregate score of 20-5 in Arsenal's favour over the last six encounters. However, the Gunners are not in the best of form, having gone winless in their last three Premier League games!
In Thursday afternoon's pre-match press conference Leeds United boss Daniel Farke provided a mixed bag of information. As expected Jaka Bijol is set to miss around a month with his thigh injury, while Gabriel Gudmundsson is responding well to treatment, and could return to action against Forest a week on friday. Joe Rodon will continue in the centre of the 3-5-2 setup, with Sebastiaan Bornauw operating to his right. James Justin, who scored on Monday night, is likely to keep his place at left-wing back.
Striker Lucas Nmecha misses out too. The German International, who has already netted five times this season felt an issue with his hamstring before Monday's draw at Everton, which is why Farke left him on the bench. The boss added it is "not a major issue" and he should be back for the following game against Nottingham Forest. Jaidan Bogle played all 90 minites of the 1-1 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium without much trouble, and should keep his place.
On the other hand, Arsenal supremo Mikel Arteta has a relatively clean bill of health, with William Saliba and Jurrien Timber expected to be fit despite minor niggles, and Declan Rice and Mikel Merino returning from suspension. The only potential absentee for the Gunners is 16-year-old Max Dowman, who is nursing an ankle injury. One player who has put himself in contention for a starting spot is Kai Havertz, who impressed with a goal and an assist in a 45-minute cameo on Wednesday night.
With the majority of Arsenal's starters from that game expected to make way for the established first XI, Havertz may be given the opportunity to make his first Premier League start of the season. Overall, this promises to be an intriguing encounter, with Leeds looking to build on their recent momentum and Arsenal seeking to bounce back in style. With West Ham and Nottingham Forest closing the gap, Whites fans will be desperately hoping for a miracle on Saturday.
Credit: motforum.com
MOT.
I was reading Arsenals flight was cancelled today. Every little helps.
