Arsenal face a tricky test on the road at Elland Road against Leeds United this afternoon.
After last weekend’s chaos, the gap at the top of the Premier League is back to just four points. With Manchester City and Aston Villa not in action until tomorrow, Mikel Arteta’s side have the chance to extend it again today.
But the pressure is on. The Gunners have won just one Premier League game since the turn of the year with a listless display last time out sparking those familiar fears among fans.
Leeds meanwhile have lost just one of their last 10 and have picked up draws against Liverpool and Manchester United here, in addition to beating Chelsea before Christmas.
Three points for the Gunners today would certainly settle a few nerves.
Metro’s LIVE matchday blog will bring you all the build-up, confirmed team news and starting XIs, goal updates and minute-by-minute coverage.
Live Feed
Why is Martin Odegaard not in the starting XI?
Odegaard did play 45 minutes midweek but his omission from the starting XI feels significant. He was largely anonymous against Manchester United last weekend, coming in for strong criticism from Arsenal fans and pundits alike.
We should here from Mikel Arteta ahead of kick-off to shed some light on the decision.
Havertz’s first start in almost a year
Having missed the first-half of the season with a knee injury, Havertz also missed the final four months of the 2024-25 campaign with a hamstring injury.
His last start? The 5-1 thrashing of Manchester City on 2 February last year.
Gyokeres preferred up top
It looked like Mikel Arteta had finally run out of patience with Viktor Gyokeres when he named the Swede among the subs against United.
But after a goal and assist midweek, the summer signing leads the line again today.
Havertz starts his first league game of the season
Martin Odegaard was hooked on the hour mark against Manchester United last Sunday and the skipper loses his place in the side today.
Kai Havertz, who started his first game of the season against Kairat midweek, is in again, slotting into midfield alongside Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice.
Leeds XI to face Arsenal
Darlow, Bogle, Gudmundsson, Rodon, Struijk, Justin, Ampadu, Gruev, Stach, Aaronson, Calvert-Lewin
Subs: Perri, Byram, Bornauw, Longstaff, Tanaka, Buonanotte, Okafor, Gnoto, Piroe
Arsenal XI to face Leeds
Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Rice, Havertz, Saka, Trossard, Gyokeres.
Subs: Arrizabalaga, White, Calafiori, Mosquera, Odegaard, Eze, Madueke, Martinelli, Jesus.
Leeds a tough nut to crack
Today’s hosts have lost just one of their last 10 Premier League games – even that one they were unlucky, falling to a 4-3 defeat away to Newcastle.
No side have lost fewer matches since the start of December.
Arsenal team news today
Mikel Arteta has a fully fit squad to choose from today with the exception of Max Dowman who is recovering from an ankle injury.
The Gunners boss rested everyone who started against Manchester United last Sunday in the midweek Champions League clash with Kairat so expect plenty more changes today.
MORE: Mikel Arteta reveals if Man City’s £85m transfer spree impacts Arsenal’s plans
MORE: Liam Rosenior tells Chelsea to recall £12m star from loan immediately
MORE: Thomas Frank sends message to Tottenham fans praying for Man City win to stop Arsenal
