Arsenal will be looking to keep their Premier League title charge on track when they host Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on April 1. Last Word on Sports provides our Arsenal Predicted Lineup for their must-win home game against an unpredictable Leeds side.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Leeds United
Hard graft 👊 pic.twitter.com/JHAMuYNdTX
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 30, 2023
How Arsenal Have Lined-up Recently
Arteta has transformed his squad into genuine title challengers after they failed to secure a top-4 place in the Premier League last season. Several players have greatly elevated their performance levels and the arrivals of players like Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City have inspired a transformation.
The Spaniard has stuck with a winning formula all season long and is unlikely to change that now. The back-five of Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Oleksandr Zinchenko have featured heavily. But Saliba – hailed as a ‘superb’ defender earlier this season by Arteta – is ruled out of this game due to injury and will have to be replaced.
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The front four of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus should reunite again after the ex-City forward returned from injury – while Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey should maintain their stronghold in midfield.
Arsenal Recent Form and Tactics
The Gunners were in impressive form in the Premier League in March, winning all four of their games to continue their surge for the title. However, they did get knocked out of the Europa League with a bitter loss to Sporting Lisbon.
But that elimination was only a blip, and they immediately continued their impressive form as the heat rises in the Premier League title race. Arteta needs to ensure that his side doesn’t drop silly points to sides in the bottom half of the league. Fortunately for him, the sheer momentum that the Gunners have attained should ensure that doesn’t happen.
While the Gunners will play this on the front foot, they need to be cautious of Leeds’ attacking prowess. Despite their tough season, the Whites can be menacing on the attack – with the likes of Wilfried Gnoto and Patrick Bamford posing a major threat. All eyes will be on Rob Holding, who is likely to replace Saliba and will have a big task on his hands on replacing the Frenchman heroics to maintain a sturdy backline with Gabriel Magalhaes.
But Arsenal’s focus will be on entertaining the Emirates crowd with the entertaining attacking football they’ve produced all season long. They’ll look to put more pressure on Manchester City with another blockbuster performance and move into the final stretch of the campaign high on momentum.
Key Players
Their front four, for one, are firing on all cylinders. Saka is making a dart for the Player of the Season award and is almost unplayable. With his amazing movement, flexibility and incredible final third product – he’s almost guaranteed to cause chaos and contribute to goals every week. Gabriel Martinelli is also soaring this season, with his incisive movement and improved finishing helping him score important goals.
Martin Odegaard is leading from the front by being the Gunners’ progressive force, quickly moving the ball forward and also playing decisive balls into the final third. Jesus is still re-adapting after a lengthy injury spell after the World Cup, but his link-up play and lethal finishing cannot be undermined.
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Xhaka is impressing in a more free midfield role – where he’s allowed to roam forward and contribute to goals. He’s also a highly energetic figure in the middle, winning balls and helping the backline. While Thomas Partey has shielded the backline well and shown great efficiency in winning back possession in key areas.
Arsenal Injuries to Consider
William Saliba is ruled out of the game due to an injury he picked up in the loss to Sporting. While Mohamed Elneny and Takehiro Tomiyasu are out for the rest of the season.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup
Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White, Rob Holding, Gabriel Magalhaes, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus
