
The Football Faithful
·23 August 2025
Arsenal vs Leeds United – Match preview and team news

In partnership with
Yahoo sportsThe Football Faithful
·23 August 2025
Arsenal host Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday in the Premier League’s evening kick-off.
The fixture pits two sides with perfect starts against each other. Arsenal began their season with a hard-fought, if unconvincing, 1-0 victory at Manchester United, while newly-promoted Leeds also secured a battling 1-0 win over Everton.
Mikel Arteta’s side will be looking to build early momentum on home soil. They will be confident of extending their impressive unbeaten run of 14 games against Leeds. The visitors, however, will aim to disrupt the hosts with the high-energy pressing style that served them so well on their top-flight return
Eberechi Eze will not be involved this weekend, despite reports that Arsenal have agreed a £67.5m deal for the playmaker. With the transfer yet to be officially announced, he will not be registered in time to make his debut.
For the match itself, Mikel Arteta has several selection headaches. Kai Havertz is ruled out with a knee injury, while Christian Norgaard is also absent. In addition, right-back Ben White is both doubtful and will face a late fitness test. If White is unavailable, Jurriën Timber is on standby to take his place. Last week’s goalscorer, Riccardo Calafiori, will continue at left-back.
Daniel Farke has been dealt a significant blow, with midfielder Ethan Ampadu ruled out until after the upcoming international break with a knee injury. Ilia Gruev is the most likely candidate to step into the starting lineup to partner Ao Tanaka.
However, the manager’s defensive options have been boosted by the return of Jaka Bijol from suspension and Sebastiaan Bornauw from a calf issue. Up front, last week’s match-winner, Lukas Nmecha, faces fresh competition from new signing Noah Okafor, who has arrived from AC Milan.
The Gunners started their season with three points, grinding out an unconvincing 1-0 victory at Old Trafford. The performance was a testament to their defensive organisation.
Now, returning to the Emirates, Mikel Arteta will be looking for his star-studded attack to be more clinical and produce a more fluid display. Their dominant record against Leeds gives them a major psychological advantage.
Leeds also enjoyed a dream return to the top flight, battling to a 1-0 win over Everton at a jubilant Elland Road. Daniel Farke’s side demonstrated the aggression and intensity that defined their promotion campaign. Their strong defensive record will be put to the ultimate test in North London.
Arsenal predicted XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Martinelli.
Leeds United predicted XI: Perri; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, G. Gudmundsson; Stach, Gruev, Tanaka; James, Gnonto, Piroe.
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HDR in the UK. Coverage begins at 5pm ahead of the 5:30pm BST kick-off. Highlights will be available on BBC’s Match of the Day later in the evening.
Live
Live