Arsenal travel to Leeds today fully expected to keep up their incredible winning run, but these so-called “easy games” are the ones we have to be wary of getting complacent. The fact that Jesse Marsch’s team are yet to lose a game at Elland Road in front of the fanatical home fans should be enough to set the alarm bells ringing.
As Arteta said: “Now, the trick is how are we going to prepare for Leeds, mentally and physically. It’s going to be a battle – we know the way they play and how intense it is going to be and the crowd that they have, so it’s going to be a challenge. We have to be at our best again to win there.”
With Leeds having had a full week to prepare for this, while Arsenal faced a tricky game in Norway on Thursday night, so we can expect Arteta to try and put a fresh side out which will mean even more rotation.
Ramsale will be back in goal, although Turner played very well in midweek.
Our back four should revert to White, Gabriel, Saliba and Tomiyasu, as Tierney played the full 90 minutes on Thursday.
Centre Midfield will of course be Xhaka and Partey with the lack of top backup in those positions.
In front of them in the starting line-up will be the usual trio of Saka, Odegaard and Martinelli, although we can expect changes in the second half if we are comfortably in front.
Up front I still believe that Jesus will be playing after having a full weeks rest, despite Arteta’s mind games, but if I’m wrong then I’ll look forward to see Nketiah get his big chance against his old loan club.
So here is my predicted line-up to face Leeds…..
Ramsdale
White, Gabriel, Saliba, Tomiyasu
Xhaka , Partey
Saka, Odegaard , Martinelli
Jesus
As for the current form, Arsenal are looking for their 7th straight win in all competitions, while Leeds haven’t won any of their last 5 matches, but obviously that Jesse Marsh’s team being unbeaten at home is a small worry…
Despite my misgivings, I am going to go for a high scoring game with Leeds getting a consolation goal…. 4-1 to the Arsenal.
What is your score prediction?
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3-0 to the ARSENAL
Oneof thre reasons why I rarely ever predict PRECISE scores is that so much can vary on football. There are too many variable circumstances, bounce of the ball, deflections, dodgy ref and VAR decisions in all games, which mitigates against PRECISE GOAL PREDICTIONS.
Predicting the overall final result is far less random, so I do on occasions only, predict results rather than actual scores. But as a pro bettor, my normal tactic is to buy and sell odds over a medium or sometimes longer period of the season.
That way you only have to look at a balance of probabilities based on a far longer period than 90 minutes , to make a profit.
You are able to study all pertaining fixtures for all relevant teams too in that longer period,even though unforeseen injuries are one factor that hinders this tactic. This works well on otherteam sports BTW, provided you know all about those sports. I avoid Rugby Union as my knowledge is poor, though cricket can be useful .
I always wonder why so many take a blind financial punt on a PARTICULAR score. To my mind that is a lottery and no wonder the bookies love those mug punters.
Today I expect our win, BUT have not put any money on this game specifically.
@Jon,
I’m sticking to Arsenal HT/FT. It’s served me well this season…