The odds are stacked against Leeds United as we play host to Arsenal this afternoon – but where can Jesse Marsch’s team get the better of the Gunners as we attempt to end a winless run of five Premier League matches?
Leeds play host to Arsenal at 2pm, with The Gunners sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League. Eight wins from nine Premier League matches, and 11 from 12 in all competitions. Leeds really need to be at their best today.
Anything less and an in-form, confident Arsenal will take advantage. But Leeds have the ability to produce on our day – just ask Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea. So, where can Leeds get the better of Arsenal? Here are three key areas:
Where can Leeds get the better of Arsenal?
Left-back a weakness, Sinisterra is back
Against Liverpool, Mikel Arteta chose to play £16m Takehiro Tomiyasu on the left. The Japan international is right-footed, but he was excellent in stopping Mo Salah. Kieran Tierney played in Norway on Thursday evening.
So, it is likely that Tomiyasu retains his place – but surely, this is an area that Leeds could exploit? Arsenal’s back four is already somewhat makeshift even if in form, with Ben White on the right. Luis Sinisterra is back from suspension.
The Colombian has made a wonderful start to life at Elland Road. Having had plenty of time to rest, Sinisterra will be eager to impress after his red card. If Tierney starts, his lack of regular action is also something Leeds could target.
Odegaard the heartbeat, but Adams has the engine
If Leeds are to stop Arsenal’s attacking creativity on Sunday afternoon, the best way to do that is to stop the curator. Norwegian ace Martin Odegaard has been one of Arsenal’s best player this season. He is the orchestrator.
While Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and even Granit Xhaka of late are getting the goals, it is Odegaard that is creating the chances. Cut off the supply, and Leeds will have a much better chance of nullifying the Gunners.
Marc Roca is better on the ball, than he is off it. But with USA international Adams, it is his engine, his grit, his work rate that embodies his style of play. He has a big day on his hands keeping Odegaard quiet, but more than capable of it.
Harrison needs a performance, knows White well
A strong amount of Leeds’ expected starting XI played in the same side as Ben White during 2020-21. Illan Meslier, Pascal Struijk, Liam Cooper and Patrick Bamford all know White well – as does Jack Harrison, who will face White today.
While White has done well in his new position, he is not naturally a right-back. Harrison will know White’s strengths, and more importantly, his weaknesses. He certainly has more pace than White. It is crucial for numerous reasons.
Getting Leeds up the pitch in terms of territory, will be important. Getting White to face his own goal, too. Harrison’s work rate will also keep White busy, and we all know how good White is on the ball. Harrison needs a big performance.
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