| Arsenal vs Leeds | |
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MATCH INFO |
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MATCH :
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Arsenal vs Leeds
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COMPETITION :
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Premier League
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| DATE: |
31 - 01 - 2026
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TIME:
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08.30 PM IST
07.00 PM UAE
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STADIUM
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Elland Road |
Neither William Saliba nor Jurrien Timber were involved in Arsenal’s midweek victory over Kairat due to minor niggles, but neither issue is considered serious, and both defenders are expected to be available for Saturday’s Premier League clash.
Mikel Arteta will also be boosted by the returns of Declan Rice and Mikel Merino, who are back from suspension and should slot straight back into the matchday squad. As a result, 16-year-old Max Dowman, who is sidelined with an ankle problem, may be the only Arsenal player unavailable for the trip to Elland Road.
With the vast majority of Wednesday night’s starters set to make way for the established first XI, one player who has significantly enhanced his chances of a league start is Kai Havertz. The German made a huge impact off the bench last time out, producing a goal and an assist in an outstanding 45-minute cameo that underlined his growing influence in Arteta’s system.
Leeds United could also receive timely reinforcements ahead of the visit of the league leaders. Gabriel Gudmundsson (adductor) and Daniel James (thigh) are both pushing to return to contention, which would provide Daniel Farke with valuable options at both ends of the pitch.
However, Leeds will remain without defender Jaka Bijol, who is expected to spend around a month on the sidelines with a thigh injury. Sebastiaan Bornauw should therefore continue in the hosts’ 3-5-2 setup, a system designed to limit space and frustrate Arsenal’s fluid attacking play.
Up front, Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be eager to rediscover his scoring touch. After a blistering six-game run between November and December, the 28-year-old has found the net just once in his last five Premier League appearances. He also has a poor recent record against Arsenal, having failed to score against them since 2020.