Arsenal vs Leeds: Preview ahead of tonight's EFL Cup clash

 Arsenal vs Leeds: Arsenal take on Bielsa's men for EFL Cup quarter-final spot

Arsenal



By Oli Dickson Jefford

Arsenal’s quest for EFL Cup silverware continues tonight when they take on fellow Premier League outfit Leeds at the Emirates.

After a fantastic performance against Aston Villa on Friday, Mikel Arteta’s men will be full of confidence as they take on Marcelo Bielsa’s side in this fourth-round clash.

The action gets underway at 7.45pm and the Gunners will be eager to continue on their path towards what is a genuine shot at a trophy.

Leeds United: What to expect

Leeds are by no means an easy team to face, though now seems a better time than any to face a side that have not reached the heights of last season.

They are hovering just above the bottom three in the Premier League having collected just seven points from nine games, winning once and tasting defeat four times.

The absences of the likes of Patrick Bamford, Luke Ayling and Kalvin Philips have left Bielsa’s side looking a shadow of the team which shone on their return to the top flight last season.

With the first two likely to remain out this evening – and Phillips’ still a doubt – it will be interesting to see what kind of side the Argentine fields.

Leeds are three points clear of Burnley in 18th and though it remains early days, Bielsa may well pick a team reflecting the fact their league commitments currently take priority.

Arteta’s decisions

Having played Aston Villa on Friday and Crystal Palace just four days before that, Arteta himself may look to rest a few players.

The likes of Emile Smith-Rowe, Bukayo Saka and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may all be benched, which could open up opportunities for the likes of Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Martinelli. 

There could also be a return to the starting line-up for Bernd Leno, who has been usurped by Aaron Ramsdale as the club’s first choice keeper but may still play a role in cup competitions.




Whatever players Arteta chooses, Arsenal’s strengths generally lie in their attack and that means Leeds could be the ideal opposition to face.

Much like past Bielsa sides, the Whites play very open football and look to attack regularly.

However, whilst that makes them a fun team to watch, this can leave them dangerously open at the back and that is something Arsenal’s attack will look to exploit.

Leeds can be dangerous going forward themselves and it will be interesting to see how Arsenal’s defence deals with this, though the absence of Bamford has left them sometimes struggling for goals.

They will still be dangerous though, with young prospect Joe Gelhardt looking to continue his impressive form, and it wouldn’t be a shock if Arteta selects a strong defence for this clash.

Opportunity for Arsenal to build on recent momentum
There could have been easier fourth round draws but this is certainly a match which Arsenal go in as strong favourites.

Though things are not perfect, there is a more positive feel surrounding the club and a strong win on Friday will help the team’s confidence greatly.

With Leeds not at their best and missing some key players, this is a strong opportunity for the Gunners to stay in contention for a trophy - and one they should take.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Popular posts from this blog

What have we learned from Arsenal's pre-season so far?

Image
  Arsenal – what have we learned from pre-season? By Jack Lacey-Hatton It only feels five minutes since Euro 2020, but incredibly we are just one week away from the new Premier League season starting. Arsenal will travel to newly promoted Brentford for a London derby in front of a noisy crowd next Friday night, not the easiest of starts to the new campaign. But what sort of shape are Mikel Arteta’s side in, going into what could be a defining season for the manager? We took a close look at what we have learnt from the pre-season period and what kind of shape the squad are in.   The new signings are ready to go It has been a mixed transfer window so far. Some fans would have expected more both leaving and arriving at the Emirates stadium over the summer. But positives can be taken - Ben White has arrived from Brighton for £50million, and highly-rated full back Nuno Tavares has come in from Benfica. Albert Sambi Lokonga completes the 2021 summer singings so far. Cruc...
Read more

Transfer Profile: Ruben Neves

Image
Transfer Profile: Ruben Neves By Jonny Bray It is hard to believe that Ruben Neves is still only 25-years-old.   It feels as if the Portuguese international has been tipped for big things for nearly a decade now.  With the midfielder out of contract in 2023, it appears his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers could be coming to an end.  Understandably, with a player like Neves on offer for a reduced price, clubs around Europe are queueing up to secure the international's signature.  So, after all this time, should Arsenal move for Ruben Neves now, or is it time for the Gunners to turn their attention to a new target?  What would he bring?  Arsenal do not have enough defensive midfielders.  Martin Ødegaard, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka give Mikel Arteta plenty of midfield options going forward, but the Gunners have been found lacking when out of possession this season. Thomas Partey has been in and out of the side due to injuries, a fact that has not hel...
Read more

Where will Arsenal finish this season?

Image
Where will Arsenal finish this season? By Alec McQuarrie Arsenal have made steady improvement over the last few seasons under Mikel Arteta. After finishing 8th in his debut season, the Spaniard oversaw a five-point improvement in his first full campaign.  And last year an eight-point leap followed, which was unfortunately not enough to pip Tottenham to fourth place.  Cruelly, the 69 points accumulated would have been enough to seal Champions League qualification in the previous two seasons.  Looking at the trajectory over the Arteta era, it would be fair to assume a continued improvement this coming season.  After all, with five signings already secured this summer and Alexandre Lacazette the sole first-team player to depart, surely fourth place should be a bare minimum expectation.  Oleksandr Zinchenko offers much-needed cover at left-back and competition for central midfield.  Gabriel Jesus is a proven goalscorer and brings a tireless work-ethic to fulfil...
Read more