Top of the table Arsenal travel to Elland Road this weekend as they look to bounce back from their 3-2 home defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League last time out.
Leeds United’s last league game was at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, where they drew 1-1 with Everton after Tierno Barry canceled out James Justin’s opener.
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When the two teams met at the start of the season, Arsenal ran out 5-0 winners at the Emirates Stadium in what proved to be a one-sided affair.
Goals from Urien Timber, Bukayo Saka and Victor Jackres sealed an emphatic victory in a game that also marked youngster Max Dauman’s debut for the north London side.
Since that defeat, Daniel Farke’s side have developed into a side that looks increasingly capable of ensuring Premier League survival.
Leeds have improved dramatically since early December and are currently six points clear of the relegation zone. The Whites have lost just one of their last ten league games during that period.
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That run included impressive draws against Liverpool and Manchester United, as well as a 3-1 win over Chelsea at Elland Road, which kicked off their resurgence.
Summer signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin is key to Leeds’ resurgence. The former England international has nine goals in 21 league games this season, seven of which have come in consecutive games.
In that time, ‘DCL’ has scored against Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Brentford and Sunderland before scoring twice against Crystal Palace.
For Arsenal, Declan Rice has been the standout player this season. The midfielder has created an impressive 41 chances so far, a tally that has been aided by his role as the team’s primary corner-kick taker – an area where the Gunners thrive, with Gabriel often at the top of his game from set-pieces.
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However, Rice’s impact extends far beyond his offensive output. The 27-year-old averages just under two successful tackles per 90 minutes and has over five tackles to his name, underlining his importance in regaining possession and driving Arsenal forward.
Arsenal also maintained a perfect record in the Champions League stage in midweek, defeating Kairat Almaty 3-2. The game was easier than the score indicated. Kai Havertz marked his return from injury with a goal 15 minutes before half-time.
Leeds United midfielder Felix Nmecha will miss the game after feeling a hamstring injury ahead of Monday’s draw with Everton. Falke confirmed the injury was “not a big issue” and hoped he would be fit for next week’s game against Nottingham Forest.
The match will be played at Elland Road on Saturday, January 31, with kick-off set for 3pm.