Bijol To Start? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Leeds United Lineup To Face Arsenal | OneFootball

Despite dominating Everton on Monday night, Leeds United only grabbed a 1-0 win at Elland Road, thanks to a late spotkick from substitute Lukas Nmecha, upon their return to the top flight of English football. The Whites would find it tricky this weekend as they travel to North London to lock horns with Arsenal, who are one of the prime contenders for the Premier League crown, having finished second thrice in a row.

The mighty Gunners, hailed for their defensive resilience, humbled Manchester United by 1-0 at Old Trafford. The Whites would struggle to break their backline, given the wastefulness up top, thus complicating it further for Daniel Farke’s men on Saturday evening.

Predicted 4-1-4-1 Leeds United Lineup To Face Arsenal

Defence

Leeds United have a new ‘number 1’ in Lucas Perri, who grabbed a clean sheet on his Premier League debut. The Brazilian has replaced Illan Meslier between the sticks, as the latter could part ways soon, having slipped down the pecking order under the German gaffer.

LEEDS, ENGLAND – AUGUST 18: Lukas Nmecha of Leeds United celebrates with teammates Joe Rodon and Jayden Bogle following the team’s victory during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Everton at Elland Road on August 18, 2025 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Despite a strong performance against the Toffees, Pascal Struijk might make way for Jaka Bijol in the heart of the backline. The former Udinese centre-back was suspended for the opening gameweek due to a marching order received in his final Serie A outing, but should make his official debut on Saturday, partnering with Joe Rodon in deep defence. Regardless of the Peacocks’ potential move for James Justin, Jayden Bogle must retain his starting status on the right. Gabriel Gudmundsson, the summer signing from Lille, would operate from the left ahead of Sam Byram.

Midfield

Skipper Ethan Ampadu could not continue beyond 78 minutes against the Merseysiders after sustaining an injury earlier in the second half. He is now expected to miss a few games, thus making way for Ilia Gruev as the deep-lying playmaker. Farke has deployed Ao Tanaka and Anton Satch in the middle of the park. But the Japanese ‘number 8’ might shift deeper to form a ‘double pivot’ with the Bulgarian.

Stach showed his composure and creative spark from a slightly advanced role, and the manager might once again rely on Daniel James and Wilfried Gnonto, even though the pair could not impress much down the flanks. Sean Longstaff might get involved from the bench, and so should Noah Okafor, the latest recruit from AC Milan, who enjoyed an exquisite pre-season as a wide forward. Brenden Aaronson and Jack Harrison could also be introduced to inject attacking flair.

Attack

Although his finish from the spot earned Leeds three crucial points on Monday night, Nmecha would continue as the understudy to Joel Piroe, high up the pitch. The Dutchman deserves a run of games to attune to the grind, demands and aggression of Premier League football.