Leeds United v Arsenal: match preview

Leeds v Arsenal: probable starters in bold, contenders in light Illustration: x

To Leeds fans Kalvin Phillips is arguably the exception to the rule that no one is indispensable. Marcelo Bielsa’s key holding midfielder has missed Leeds’ past three games – featuring successive 4-1 defeats to Leicester and Crystal Palace – with a shoulder injury. To say the England international will be welcomed back against Arsenal is an understatement. “It’s probable Phillips will start,” said Bielsa. “Phillips is a player who usually plays and it’s always important to count on the players who play regularly. The evolution of Phillips is a constant one. He has a capacity to analyse and criticise himself and he finds what he needs to improve and correct his game and he does this by himself.” Louise Taylor

Sunday 4.30pm Sky Sports Premier League

Venue Elland Road

Last season n/a

Odds H 9-4 A 5-4 D 11-4

Referee Anthony Taylor

This season G6 Y19 R1 3.33 cards/game

LEEDS

Subs from Poveda, Casilla, Alioski, Rodrigo, Roberts, Struijk, Casey, Davis, Jenkins

Doubtful None

Injured Llorente (groin, unknown), Forshaw (hip, unknown), Hernández (knock, unknown), Shackleton (knock, unknown)

Suspended None

Discipline Y11 R0

Form WDLWLL

Leading scorer Bamford 7

ARSENAL

Subs from Rúnarsson, Soares, David Luiz, Kolasinac, Saka, Willock, Smith Rowe, Nelson, Pépé, Nketiah

Doubtful None

Injured Partey (thigh, 29 Nov), Kolasinac (coronavirus, Dec), Elneny (coronavirus, Dec), Marí (ankle, Dec), Chambers (knee, Dec), Martinelli (knee, Jan)

Suspended None

Discipline Y11 R0

Form LWLLWL

Leading scorer Lacazette 3