Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Archie Griggs

Pundits split in Arsenal vs Leeds United Premier League predictions

Arsenal will be looking to earn a much-needed victory against Leeds United on Saturday.

The Gunners have struggled so far this season in the Premier League, having lost four of their opening eight matches, and were humbled at home by Aston Villa before the international break.

Mikel Arteta's side have also failed to score from open play in any of their last four outings, with their only goal coming from the penalty spot against Manchester United earlier this month.

Meanwhile, Leeds are enduring a dip in form with Marcelo Bielsa's men falling to successive 4-1 defeats in their previous two matches.

However, the Yorkshire outfit are known for their aggressive, pressing style of play and will not be an easy opponent for Arsenal, who will have to be at their very best to get a result.

Pundits were split over the potential outcome of Sunday's match, with both Arsenal and Leeds having been tipped to take all three points.

Mark Lawrenson, BBC Sport

"There's surely got to be a reaction from Arsenal, after such a poor performance in their defeat by Aston Villa.

"But I am going to go with Leeds here. They had a heavy defeat of their own, against Crystal Palace, but that game might have been a very different story if Patrick Bamford's equaliser had not been ruled out by a ridiculous offside decision.

"I really do think this game is especially hard to call, but that is Leeds at the moment - they will go for it, but give the opposition chances.

"With the Gunners, the question is more about whether they turn up as a team - a case of 'same old Arsenal' if you like. They had just started to improve and had looked as if they were about to kick on under Mikel Arteta but instead they have been very inconsistent."

Prediction: 2-1

Bamford will provide the biggest attacking threat for Leeds with seven goals in eight league appearances (Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Michael Owen, BetVictor

"I find Leeds are exceptionally good against teams that fancy themselves to play a bit.

"When you come at Leeds, it plays into their hands as they have loads of energy to smother you and win key battles all over the pitch. They create lots of chances, but equally concede a lot as well. I think this could play into Mikel Arteta’s hands.

"If he is prepared to concede a bit of ground and soak up some Leeds pressure, I fancy the Gunners to take full advantage on the break."

Prediction: 1-2

Simon Jordan, talkSPORT

"The 4-1 to Crystal Palace could easily have been the other way round. Leeds are a very good side.

"I think it will be a very exciting game of football. I expect Arsenal to win but it will be a very good game of football.

"It does seem that Bielsa only has one way of playing, on the front foot, and that could prove tricky against better sides."

Prediction: Away win

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.