Leeds United v Arsenal - Fans’ Jury predictions ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash at Elland Road

Starved of Whites action since the 4-1 defeat at Crystal Palace, our regular panel of Leeds fans also return, giving their thoughts on the eagerly-anticipated top-flight clash as well as their predictions on who will prevail. Have a scroll through their submissions and see if you agree or not. Why not leave your own thoughts in the comments section at the bottom?

Andy Rhodes

After an eye-opening spell before the last international break, Leeds will be hoping to return to their best as they welcome Arsenal to Elland Road.

The Gunners have been far from consistent this season, currently sitting just a point ahead of the Whites after four wins and four defeats. Their form makes this one hard to predict but leaves the door open to any result.

In truth, they simply haven’t got going, scoring just nine times in eight games so far. Leeds, however, have scored 14 and have found the net in seven of their eight Premier League matches. Patrick Bamford has been the talisman so far and he will be happy to see Rodrigo return to contention.

A result will depend United sorting out their defence after conceding eight in two games. However, preparation time may have been limited with Stuart Dallas, Liam Cooper and Robin Koch all away for the duration of the international break.

Goals have featured in each of United’s games so far. They should flow again here.

Prediction: Leeds United 1, Arsenal 2.

Keith Ingham

A team that battled the great Don Revie’s team in the 60s and early 70s comes to Elland Road. The Gunners, under Bertie Mee, were always in contention for cups and league titles. Times have changed but the rivalry is still there, a classic North versus South contest.

Leeds will be hoping to arrest their two-game losing run. That said, United have been plagued by losing key players. Rodrigo (COVID) and Phillips (shoulder)have been out for the defeats, while Diego Llorente is yet to feature in a United shirt apart from the one he wore on the day he signed.

Without Phillips especially, Leeds’ rearguard has looked very ‘leaky’ and it is hoped some extra training has been organised during yet another international break.

At times, Arsenal look like they could challenge Liverpool and Manchester City for the title while, they look like they’d struggle against a pub team.

When Leeds were promoted these were the games you looked forward to the most although, again, as I keep mentioning there will be no fans to witness it at Elland Road.

Regardless, I’m going to stick my neck out and say Leeds will win it.

Prediction: Leeds 2 Arsenal 1.

Mike Gill

If the setback at Selhurst Park seems a long time ago now, then our last encounter with Arsenal seems like years ago.

Last January we were plucky underdogs still unsure whether we could escape from the Championship let alone give the Gunners a big shock on their home turf. This time around we do not have the element of surprise and the patronising plaudits we received earlier in the season are no longer repeated with such boring regularity.

A pat on the head at 6:30 on Sunday evening will not suffice. Leeds need a result.

The availability of key players is still uncertain but I suspect that Sunday’s outcome will largely depend on the strength and depth of our squad.

The defensive frailties seen in the last two games have been down to the attacking prowess and quality of our opponents.

In the Premier League we are unlikely to string together a run of results just because we have overwhelmed the opposition and Sunday is no exception to this.

No easy rides now. Just a lot of hard graft.

Prediction: Leeds United 2, Arsenal 2.

David Watkins

Missing the Arsenal game will hurt fans of my age more than most.

Our rivalry is born of a whopping 17 FA Cup ties over the years including the famous “One nil!” Wembley win in 1972. There was also our very first domestic cup final victory, in 1968, a 1-0 win in the League Cup, and many great league tussles during the Revie era.

Arsenal arrive on the back of a poor run in the league having lost three of their previous four; Manchester City, Leicester and, most surprisingly, a 3-0 home defeat to Aston Villa. They sit four places and two points above Leeds in the table.

Coincidentally, Leeds have also lost three of their last four and we need to put an end to that run before a blip becomes a slide. I’m convinced we are a better side than recent defeats suggest and there would be no better way of proving it than by shooting down the Gunners.

Remember, it was only January this year when Leeds outplayed Arsenal at The Emirates for 45 minutes before going down 1-0 in our most-recent FA Cup meeting.

Prediction: Leeds United 1, Arsenal 0.

Matthew Evans

The breaks between games seem to grow longer and longer in the Premier League and we still have to wait until late Sunday before Arsenal arrive at Elland Road.

It will have been a tough couple of weeks for a United squad itching to get out there and right the wrongs of two 4-1 defeats. At least some of the players have had a busy international duty to make up for the lack of club action.

Sunday’s is not a game any player would thank you for on the back of some poor results but Arsenal are not the same force they were last time we were in the Premier League.

And our Championship squad ran them close at The Emirates earlier this year. We shouldn’t fear them. There’s news that Rodrigo will be back and there’s a good chance that Raphinha could be handed a start following impressive cameos.

Pablo Hernandez, too, could be in contention again so a stronger squad should see us return to being more competitive.

A low-scoring draw is where my money is.

Prediction: Leeds United 1, Arsenal 1.

Jacob Starr

No more enthralling international breaks until March, club football is back to business and what better fixture for Leeds to with than a visit from Arsenal.

Both sides suffered defeats by a three-goal margin last time out, with the Gunners succumbing to a very poor 3-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa whilst the Whites suffered a 4-1 loss at Crystal Palace.

The last time the teams met was in January when Mikel Arteta’s men edged the FA Cup third round tie that United utterly dominated, particularly the first half. That will give the squad confidence for getting a result this weekend.

Fortunately, Rodrigo’s isolation period is over so he will be available for selection, while Arsenal’s Mohammed Elneny recently tested positive for the virus so he will have to miss out.

With the Villa game being an exception, the Gunners have looked a more improved outfit with the deadline-day addition Thomas Partey anchoring the midfield, although the former Atletico Madrid man will also be missing injured.

Prediction: Leeds United 2 Arsenal 2