England Premier League
Sunday 14th February 2021
Kick off at 4:30pm GMT
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Match Preview:
Just when you thought Arsenal had turned the corner, that could be a false dawn and the Gunners approach this game having no wins in their last 3 outings. Not many people would have believed had you suggested that Leeds United would be in front of Arsenal in February. However that is the reality and Marcelo Bielsa’s side are not only a point in front but also have a game in hand.
Arsenal have lost two consecutive games but one could argue that the Gunners were unlucky to lose against Wolves given David Luiz’s harsh sending off which seemed to affect the game. That match however was followed up with another defeat against Aston Villa by 1-0 and now the pressure is starting to creep up on manager Mikel Arteta, the last thing he needs is a poor end to the clubs campaign. The Gunners are 9 points shy of a top 4 place and whilst it is not impossible to accumulate those points there are so many teams in front of Arsenal that the dream of European football next season is fading fast.
At home the Gunners have won just 4 times from 11 games but they have remained undefeated for the past two months.
Leeds continue to surprise and entertain and the club could really use this game to pull away from their hosts. Leeds have won 3 of their last four games and last weekend they won their 10th game of the season as they beat Crystal Palace 2-0. On the road Leeds have performed better and have won 18 of their 32 points this way. For Bielsa’s side it has been win or bust though, with six wins from 11 games and 5 defeats Leeds are the only team in the Premier League not to draw away from home.
Team News:
Arsenal: Thomas Partey is out with his hamstring and Kieran Tierney is out for at least another 10 days with his calf.
Leeds: Diego Llorente has recovered from a muscle issue but won’t feature in this game and will train to get back for next week. Pablo Hernandez will miss this game through a muscle injury. Kalvin Phillips has a knock and is only 50/50 for this game. Rodrigo is out and it could be for the rest of the month at least with a muscle injury.
Arsenal vs Leeds Head to Head:
Earlier this season the clubs drew 0-0 in the reverse fixture.
The teams have met 4 times in the FA Cup in the last decade and Arsenal have won 3 of those games within the 90 minutes. The last time they met at the Emirates was at the beginning of 2020 and Arsenal won 1-0.
4 of the last five meetings between the sides has ended in under 2.5 goals.
Arsenal vs Leeds Prediction:
Another big game for Arsenal awaits and all of the pressure is on them as Leeds have far exceeeded what was expected of them this season. Arsenal simply haven’t been convincing enough against teams that are high in confidence and ones that like to attack. If we analyse Arsenal’s good form they beat teams they should have been expected to beat bar Chelsea. However it was clear that Chelsea were in a bad run and Frank Lampard probably knew at that point his job was in the balance.
Leeds may not be the favourites to win this game but they are sure to test Arsenal and they come into this fixture having a decent away record. Leeds are a great price, meaning a strong handicap can be applied in their favour. You could argue player for player Arsenal has the better side but the confidence and seemingly the trust in the Leeds players for their manager looks greater to us. Leeds come to London a happy side it is questionable if Arsenal are in the same boat.
Arsenal vs Leeds Betting Tips:
Asian handicap (+1 Leeds) at 1.50
Anytime goalscorer: Patrick Bamford at 2.50
A red card to be shown in the game at 5.00
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