Match Overview

Leeds United welcome Arsenal to Elland Road on Saturday with both sides seeking pivotal points at opposite ends of the table. Leeds aim to respond after the heavy defeat in the reverse fixture, while Arsenal arrive top of the league and strong on their travels. The hosts have shown improved attacking output in recent weeks, and the visitors continue to set the pace despite a narrow league loss last time out. Light rain and cool conditions around 41°F are expected at kickoff.

• Fixture: Leeds United vs Arsenal
• Competition: Premier League
• Venue: Elland Road
• Date: 31-01-2026
• Kickoff: 15:00 GMT / 15:00 UTC

Predicted Lineups

Leeds United

• Lucas Perri (Goalkeeper)
• J. Bogle (Defender)
• J. Rodon (Defender)
• P. Struijk (Defender)
• E. Ampadu (Defender)
• B. Aaronson (Midfielder)
• I. Gruev (Midfielder)
• A. Tanaka (Midfielder)
• S. Longstaff (Midfielder)
• D. Calvert-Lewin (Attacker)
• N. Okafor (Attacker)

Arsenal

• David Raya (Goalkeeper)
• J. Timber (Defender)
• W. Saliba (Defender)
• Gabriel Magalhães (Defender)
• P. Hincapié (Defender)
• Martín Zubimendi (Midfielder)
• D. Rice (Midfielder)
• M. Ødegaard (Midfielder)
• Mikel Merino (Midfielder)
• B. Saka (Attacker)
• L. Trossard (Attacker)

Injury & Suspension Report

Leeds United

• G. Gudmundsson – Muscle Injury
• J. Bijol – Hamstring Injury
• D. James – Hamstring Injury

Arsenal

• R. Calafiori – Muscle Injury
• M. Dowman – Ankle Injury
• W. Saliba – Inactive
• J. Timber – Inactive

Head-to-Head

Recent meetings have been open and attacking, with the last four averaging 3.5 goals per game. Across 112 historical clashes, Arsenal lead with 48 wins to Leeds’ 38, while 26 matches have ended level. The reverse fixture this season finished 5-0 to Arsenal.

Match Analysis & Prediction

Leeds enter with two wins from their last five and nine goals scored in that run, reflecting a more assertive rhythm in attack. They sit 16th on 26 points from 23 games and will rely on intensity out of possession and quick transitions to unsettle the league leaders. D. Calvert-Lewin has scored four times across 11 home appearances and remains central to their penalty-box threat.

Arsenal’s away form is strong, with four wins and a draw in their last five on the road, producing 13 goals. They top the table on 50 points (15W, 5D, 3L) and will look to control the tempo through midfield. Their most recent league outing was a narrow defeat to Manchester United, with Lautaro Martínez on the scoresheet for the Gunners. The earlier meeting between these sides ended 5-0 to Arsenal, when Jurrien Timber scored twice. With W. Saliba and J. Timber listed as inactive, their availability will be monitored closely.

Leeds United’s pressing vs Arsenal’s attacking structure

Leeds will aim to compress space and press aggressively, using B. Aaronson, I. Gruev, A. Tanaka and S. Longstaff to disrupt Arsenal’s build-up. Service into Calvert-Lewin and runs from N. Okafor can ask questions of Arsenal’s back line, especially if defensive changes are needed. For the visitors, the balance of D. Rice and Martín Zubimendi behind M. Ødegaard and Mikel Merino should help secure possession and find B. Saka and L. Trossard between lines, an area Leeds must protect. Set-pieces could be decisive given Leeds’ aerial presence and Arsenal’s delivery quality.

Given Leeds’ recent scoring trend and Arsenal’s away momentum, chances should arrive at both ends. Arsenal’s midfield control and wide quality give them a slight edge, though conditions may reduce fluency. Prediction: Arsenal to win 2-1.