Leeds United will travel to the Emirates Stadium to take on champion Arsenal on Saturday in an early kick-off with several narratives to follow.
Daniel Farke’s side will look to build on their strong start to the season, and if they can leave north London with their unbeaten Premier League run intact, they will consider it a major success.
Arsenal, on the other hand, will be desperate to respond with a strong performance, win on Saturday, and prove that the defeat against Brighton before the break was nothing more than a blip.
The Gunners thrashed Leeds 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium last season, but Farke’s team has improved and evolved massively since then.
Read More: Paul Merson embarrasses himself with Leeds claim after Arsenal preview howler
Chris Sutton sticks his neck out with a big prediction
The former Premier League striker believes Brighton have handed Leeds a blueprint for how to play against Arsenal, and he expects the Whites to follow it.
He feels they are a very different proposition from the team that lost twice to Arsenal last season, and he has stressed that they will truly test Arsenal’s ability to recover from the Brighton defeat.
While Sutton expects Arsenal to win, he is certain it will be much closer than the 5-0 thrashing Leed suffered at the Emirates last season.
He predicted a 2-0 win for the Gunners.
Sutton said on the BBC: “Brighton were brilliant when they beat Arsenal before the international break – the Seagulls really harried and hassled the champions and went toe-to-toe with them.
“I don’t think Leeds will go about things the same way, but they will still provide a stern test.
“Daniel Farke’s side are really solid but also carry a big threat too, and they are a very different proposition to the side Arsenal thumped 5-0 at Emirates Stadium at the start of last season.
“So, this game will tell us a lot about where Arsenal are and how they have recovered from that Brighton defeat.
“I’d still back the Gunners to find a way to win, especially because they are at home, but it will be a lot closer than last time. Leeds don’t concede goals as freely any more.”
Read More: “Look at his Leeds record” – Arteta urged to unleash Arsenal star against Leeds
Leeds can get a result on Saturday
Leeds United have every reason to believe they can get something from Saturday’s trip to Arsenal, even if they will start as underdogs at the Emirates.
Daniel Farke’s side are unbeaten after five league games, and the 4-1 win over Newcastle showed what they can do when their pressing, intensity and attacking movement click. They have also proved they can compete away from home, earning a draw at Brighton.
Arsenal are far from unbeatable, either. Brighton exposed problems in their build-up play with an aggressive press, and Leeds have the energy to make life uncomfortable if they get their approach right. Winning the ball high up the pitch and attacking quickly could be their best route to causing an upset.
The key will be staying disciplined without becoming too passive. Leeds cannot afford to give Arsenal time and space, but they must also make their own chances count.
A point would be an excellent result. If Leeds bring their best performance, though, a win is within their reach.
