Arsenal host Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday evening, and predictions have been made ahead of the clash.
The Gunners will be looking to get their new campaign at the Emirates off to a good start when they face the newly-promoted side, as they prepare to play in front of a home crowd set to bask in the glory of signing Eberechi Eze.
Mikel Arteta’s team beat Manchester United at Old Trafford in the first game of the season last week, and will hope to follow that up with another three points this weekend.
With Anfield awaiting following the encounter with Daniel Farke’s side, the North Londoners need to ensure they head to Merseyside with maximum points from their first two fixtures.
Paul Merson thinks Viktor Gyokeres will score for Arsenal against Leeds
Arsenal will be without Kai Havertz for this clash, with the German suffering a serious knee injury earlier this week.
Meanwhile, Christian Norgaard will also be absent through injury, and Ben White is a doubt.
Aside from these three potential absentees, Arteta should have his entire squad to select from for the visit of Leeds.
Viktor Gyokeres will definitely lead the line with Havertz unavailable, and Paul Merson is backing him to improve on last week’s disappointing debut by scoring against the Yorkshire outfit.
“This is a good game for Arsenal to begin their league campaign at home,” he wrote for Sportskeeda.
“It’s even better because Leeds just won, because they will feel more confident and may go have a free swing at this game.
“If Leeds come out and try to play their football at the Emirates, the game will really open up for Arsenal’s quality to shine through. If Leeds had lost to Everton, they would have opted to sit back, but now this game is more like a free hit to them.
“I’m backing Viktor Gyokeres to score. He did not get any quality chances against Manchester United, but that won’t be the case against Leeds. It’s not easy coming to a club like Arsenal and making an impact straightaway.
“Even though Arsenal have now got everyone they wanted in the transfer window, only time will tell if they really did the best business. I say that because it’s now up to the players to perform and prove their credentials.”
Score Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Leeds United
Chris Sutton makes Arsenal vs Leeds United prediction
Gyokeres was poor against United, and another underwhelming showing this time around will certainly spark discourse about whether he was the right signing for Arsenal to make.
That said, Merson is correct that the Swede should have more opportunities to get on the scoresheet against Leeds than he did at the Theatre of Dreams.
Chris Sutton has also backed Gyokeres to ‘come good’, while agreeing with Merson that the Gunners will stroll to victory against the Whites.
“I didn’t feel Arsenal’s performance was there against Manchester United, but still, at least they found a way to win,” Sutton wrote for BBC Sport.
“All the talk in this game is going to be about Viktor Gyokeres and whether he can get off the mark. There was such an overreaction after he didn’t score against Man United.
“He’s been written off as a dud in some quarters already! That’s the modern game, you can get written off after your first hour of playing in the Premier League.
“Not me though, no, I think he’ll come good.
“Leeds played with such intensity against Everton, although the penalty they won was slightly harsh. Will Daniel Farke’s side show that same level of bravery at the Emirates? Probably, and if so, it’ll cost them.”
Score Prediction: Arsenal 4-0 Leeds United
Leeds edged past Everton at Elland Road in their first game back in the Premier League since 2023, courtesy of a late penalty from Lukas Nmecha.
Survival will be the goal for Farke’s team this season, and thus, this is a game the Gunners should be winning.
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