Whites boss Jesse Marsch made one change to his side for last weekend’s clash at Crystal Palace as Patrick Bamford returned from a recent niggle to make his first start since August.
Bamford replaced the suspended Luis Sinisterra as the Colombian international winger served a one-game ban for his sending off after two bookings in the goalless draw at home to Aston Villa.
That meant Brenden Aaronson shifting to the right flank as Rodrigo moved back into the no 10 role behind Bamford upfront.
Jack Harrison completed the attacking quartet on the left wing and Leeds raced into a tenth-minute lead through Pascal Struijk’s strike but then wasted chances to extend their advantage before Palace fought back to seal a 2-1 victory.
Junior Firpo, Adam Forshaw, Archie Gray, Leo Hjelde and longer term absentee Stuart Dallas missed the contest through injuries but Marsch then reported that Firpo would be back in contention for the Arsenal clash, giving the Whites an injury boost.
Crysencio Summerville and Mateusz Klich followed by Luke Ayling and Joe Gelhardt were brought on from the bench at Palace and this is the XI that we think will set out against the Gunners.
7. CM - Marc Roca
Centre-midfield options Adam Forshaw and young Archie Gray are injured in addition to longer term absentee Stuart Dallas but in any case it is the midfield axis of Adams and another impressive summer signing in Roca that is the first port of call. Photo: Michael Regan
8. RW - Luis Sinisterra
Skillful summer signing Sinisterra had a bit of a nightmare against Villa as he was sent off for a silly second booking and a lesson will have to be learnt from that but the Colombian is now back from suspension and would seem likely to come straight back into the side on the right flank meaning Aaronson is deployed elsewhere. Photo: George Wood
9. LW - Jack Harrison
There are all sorts of different combinations and selections that Marsch could try in his front four but Harrison has by and large made the left wing slot his own and it would be a big surprise were he not to line up on that side of the pitch. Photo: Ashley Allen
10. ACM - Brenden Aaronson
Aaronson produced a moment of brilliance from the right flank for Struijk's goal at Palace which perhaps gave food for thought as to where he could and should play. But it seems likely that Aaronson will now shift back to the no 10 role upon Sinisterra being back available and given that Rodrigo did not have a great deal of joy there against Palace. Starting Joe Gelhardt and even new signing Willy Gnonto are other options to consider but both look unlikely given their lack of minutes for the clash at Palace for which Gnonto did not even get on. Photo: Stu Forster
11. ST - Patrick Bamford
The Whites no 9 squandered a golden chance when unable to convert a one-on-one at Palace which would have put Leeds 2-0 up and the striker was eventually taken off in the 62nd minute and replaced by young winger Crysencio Summerville as Rodrigo moved upfront and Aaronson switched inside. But Rodrigo had very little joy up tops and the hope is that Bamford will get sharper and sharper with each start and batch of minutes after his injury troubles. Starting Rodrigo or Gelhardt upfront are the other obvious alternatives with Gnonto and young duo Sonny Perkins and Mateo Joseph waiting in the wings for chances bubbling below the surface. Photo: Stu Forster