'There will be goals' - Mark Lawrenson's Leeds United scoreline prediction ahead of Arsenal clash

Leeds United will look to push into the top half of the Premier League this weekend, when they take on Mikel Arteta's Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
(Photo by MICHAEL REGAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)(Photo by MICHAEL REGAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
(Photo by MICHAEL REGAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Writing his weekly predictions column for BBC Sport, pundit and broadcaster Mark Lawrenson backed the hosts to sneak a narrow 2-1 win.

Expanding on his pick, Lawro said: "When these two sides met at Elland Road in November, Arsenal had Nicolas Pepe sent off and, despite Leeds creating a bucketload of chances and hitting the woodwork three times, it ended up as the only goalless draw Marcelo Bielsa's side have had in 24 games in all competitions this season."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"There will be goals this time, though, I am sure of it. Leeds were too good for Crystal Palace on Monday, while Arsenal have been hard done by to lose both of their past two games, against Wolves and Aston Villa."

"I'm expecting an open game and I'm going with the Gunners to edge it, although they will have to keep 11 players on the pitch if they want to take the three points."

Meanwhile, Lawro's opponent for the week, singer-songwriter Mike Rosenberg aka Passenger, went for a 3-2 Arsenal win.

Rosenberg, an Arsenal fan, revealed: "This could go so many ways and I think if Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney are fit and involved for us then I would be feeling a bit more confident.

"It is potentially going to be a goal-fest and I love how Leeds play - initially I was going to go with them to edge it but it just felt wrong not to back Arsenal."