Arsenal vs. Leeds United Preview: Whites in search of first win in London since December 2017

By @jonnychick__.

Leeds United travel to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal on Sunday with the aim to secure their first win in London since December 2017.

In their last outing, Leeds made it three wins from four as they defeated Crystal Palace 2-0 in what was a comfortable Monday night at Elland Road.

Jack Harrison scored his sixth goal of the season as his shot deflected hit the back of the net to give Leeds the lead inside the first three minutes of the game. Leeds' top scorer Patrick Bamford then netted his 12th goal of the season in the second half to ensure the Whites picked up the win against his former club.

Patrick Bamford celebrates with Leeds teammate Luke Ayling after scoring against Crystal Palace (gettyimages/Pool)

Not only was that Patrick Bamford's 12th goal of the season, but it was also his 100th club career goal.

The three points moved Leeds back into the top half of the Premier League table for the first time since October, and 17 points above the relegation zone.

Leeds United are in good stead heading into Sunday's clash at Arsenal, however, they will be fully aware of the club's curse in the capital. The last time Leeds won a match in London was all the way back in December 2017 when they beat QPR 1-3 at Loftus Road.

As for Arsenal, they are having a torrid time so far this season compared to their usual standards. Earlier in the season, fans were calling for manager Mikel Arteta to be sacked and there was genuine talk about relegation, however, the Gunners improved their form after Christmas, losing just one in nine games in all competitions.

Recently, however, they have slipped into another poor run of form, losing back-to-back games away at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa.

Arsenal players after their 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa (gettyimages/James Williamson - AMA)

Following last Saturday's 1-0 loss at Aston Villa, Arsenal now sit in 11th place in the league table on 31 points, just one point and one place below Leeds United having played a game more than the Whites. A win for Arsenal on Sunday though would lift them back into the top half of the table and close in on a much-wanted European place.

Sunday's clash with Leeds will be the last Premier League match before Arsenal restart their Europa League campaign, so Mikel Arteta could make changes to his starting eleven. Many Arsenal fans believe that winning the Europa League is now their only ticket into next season's Champions League.

TEAM NEWS

Arsenal have been hit with a double injury blow ahead of the visit of Leeds as defender Kieran Tierney and midfielder Thomas Partey both look set to miss the clash.

Thomas Partey was withdrawn during their loss at Villa with a hamstring injury and Kieran Tierney didn't feature in the matchday squad. Cedric Soares is likely to keep his place at left-back.

However, Mikel Arteta can welcome back goalkeeper Bernd Leno and center-back David Luiz who are both available after serving one-match bans.

Meanwhile, Leeds United are monitoring midfielder Kalvin Phillips. The 25-year-old came off during Monday's win over Crystal Palace, which was his 200th appearance for the club, with a calf problem and could miss the trip to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

When asked about Phillips, Head Coach Marcelo Bielsa said: "There’s not a definite position at the moment whether he will be able to play or not." (Leeds Live)

Despite defender Gaetano Berardi returning to full training this week after recovering from a long-term knee injury, Marcelo Bielsa does not expect any of the injured members of his squad to return: "For the moment, nobody comes back and Kalvin remains a doubt." (Leeds Live)

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

- In the reverse fixture, the two teams drew 0-0 at Elland Road despite Leeds United playing against a 10-man Arsenal side for over 40 minutes. The Whites have failed to score in each of their last three matches against Arsenal.

- The two sides met in the FA Cup third round last season and Marcelo Bielsa's side showed a good account of themselves despite losing 1-0 at the Emirates.

- Arsenal are unbeaten against Leeds in the past eight meetings in all competitions (W6, D2). United have not beaten the Gunners since 4th May 2003 in a 2-3 away win, with Mark Viduka scoring a late winner at Highbury.

- Overall out of the 121 meetings between the two sides, Arsenal just come out on top as they have won 47 of the matches compared to Leeds' 46.

MATCH INFORMATION

Arsenal vs. Leeds United

English Premier League

16:30 Sunday 14th February 2021

Emirates Stadium