Game Week 2 Predictions: Arsenal to beat Leeds at the Emirates

Arsenal host Leeds at the Emirates after wins on opening day. Eze joins the Gunners, Gyokeres eyes impact. Verdict: Arsenal to win.

Bukayo Saka is expected to have his name written all over this fixture, will Leeds open up to allow him flourish? (Photo credit: GOAL)

 Arsenal vs Leeds United

Emirates Stadium

5:30pm

The Gunners got off to a winning start at Old Trafford, a result that got many talking, especially with their performance on the day being underwhelming.

Leeds United got the same result on their return to the top flight, beating Everton 1-0 with a late penalty; however, unlike their hosts in this fixture, Leeds United dominated against Everton and were unlucky not to score more than one.

There is a growing concern among Premier League followers about the quality of teams that get promoted from the Championship every year, with the last two seasons seeing all newly promoted sides going down, but Leeds United want to rewrite that narrative.

Arsenal’s win over United wasn’t a vintage one, but the result was mouth-watering. A win away at Old Trafford was special on the opening day; building on it with another win at home, albeit with a strong performance, is what the fans are expecting.

It’s a different kind of game for the visitors; they cannot go all out against Arsenal the way they did at home on Monday; they will be badly punished. They must contain Arsenal and take their chances when they get any.

In terms of squad quality, Arsenal has an embarrassment of riches in that regard, with England playmaker Eberechi Eze joining the Gunners from Crystal Palace this weekend. What a window it has been for the North Londoners; now they must show workings with titles.

Leeds United is expected to field the same eleven that earned them their first win in the top flight in over two years, but they must be defensively disciplined. Pascal Struijk was solid against Everton, but for this one, he must sit deep to head out all Arsenal throw at them.

Eze won’t feature in this one, but he could be introduced to the fans for the first time. One name Leeds should be wary of is the Swede upfront, Viktor Gyokeres. He has a point to prove, and with Kai Havertz injured, this is his time to shine.

Bukayo Saka is still a threat. The England winger could be devastating against an open Leeds defence if they dare isolate him. Martin Odegaard was Arsenal’s liveliest player against United; with Eze in town, he must up his game.

This is a game you expect Arsenal to win, but they won’t take anything for granted. Leeds United cannot afford to be reckless; they must be accountable in possession. Wilfried Gnonto and Daniel James should hug the line for the counter; let’s see how they fare against the strong Arsenal back four.

Verdict: Arsenal to win