Following a top run of form, the predicted Arsenal team to face Leeds United could see Mikel Arteta make a big decision at centre-back.
Despite playing some big teams, Arsenal’s run in the past few weeks has been fantastic. Indeed, they have put themselves in a good position to finish inside the top four.
The Gunners are currently on a three-game winning streak. The first win in that run saw Arteta’s side beat third-placed Chelsea 4-2.
They followed that up with a 3-1 victory over top-four hopefuls Manchester United. Last time out, the Gunners beat West Ham 2-1, thanks to goals from centre-backs Gabriel Magalhaes and Rob Holding.
Gabriel’s usual partner, Ben White, missed that game due to a thigh injury. However, in his pre-match press conference, Arteta revealed that the Englishman is “in contention” to face Leeds this week.
Last time out – West Ham 2-1 Arsenal
Aaron Ramsdale started in net, as is often the case in the league. Takehiro Tomiyasu started at right-back for the first time since January, following an injury. Nuno Tavares started at left-back, as Kieran Tierney is out.
Gabriel was partnered by Holding at the back – starting just his sixth league game of the season. They scored their fourth and first league goals of the season, respectively.
Ever-present Granit Xhaka was partnered by Mohamed Elneny in holding-midfield.
Stand-in skipper Martin Odegaard was flanked by Bukayo Saka, and the returning Gabriel Martinelli, who started neither of the previous two games.
Eddie Nketiah has been preferred up front to Alexandre Lacazette in recent weeks, and he started as the no.9.
Predicted Arsenal team against Leeds
Arteta is likely to stick with a similar side given Arsenal‘s success in recent weeks.
Ramsdale will likely remain in net. Tomiyasu and Tavares could also keep their places as the full-backs.
White has played every game he has been available for. However, Holding acquitted himself well last time out, and with a big game against Tottenham coming up, he could be preferred, in order to let White fully recover. Gabriel is likely to occupy the other centre-back spot.
Xhaka and Elneny are likely to remain as the holding-midfielders.
Saka, Odegaard and Martinelli could also keep their places behind the striker. Nketiah could start up top for the fifth game in a row.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, Holding, Gabriel, Tavares; Elneny, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Nketiah
The post Predicted Arsenal team to face Leeds United: Big centre-back decision in store for Arteta appeared first on TEAMtalk.
