The leaders of the Championship travel to Emirates in a bid to cause an upset. One of the most awaited game of FA Cup round 3 is finally here as Arsenal look on to continue their good run under Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners looked a true-self against Manchester United when they went all guns blazing and left no room for complacency. If they continue to play in the same fashion as they did against United, there will be no stopping them.
Meanwhile, the North Londoners face a hefty task against a side that has rarely dropped points in the Championship. Leeds have been in their top notch and could well be the team to keep Arsenal away from one more silverware.
When and Where:
Date: Tuesday, 7 January
Time: 1:26 am (IST)
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Team News
Arsenal will look to continue their winning momentum and go in with a fairly experienced squad with a tint of youth. The major changes from the game against United may include the absence of Nicolas Pepe and Aubameyang in the attacking third with Martinelli getting a nod alongside Reiss Nelson.
Both the youngsters have been impressive under Arteta and would want to accompany Lacazette in the absence of his partner-in-crime. In the defence, David Luiz may finally get rest and will be replaced by Rob Holding.
There will be revival of Dani Ceballos in the midfield who has recovered from injury and we can also expect Bernd Leno to make way for Martinez to don between the sticks.
For the visitors though, there won’t be any changes from their regular squad as they look to cause a setback. The manager Biesla has already announced a few starters in the press conference with Illan Meslier and Robbie Gotts making their first-team debuts and the likes of Barry Douglas, Gaetano Berardi and Ezgjan Alioski starting the game.
Predicted Line-up
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Martinez; Maitland-Niles, Holding, Sokratis, Saka; Guendouzi, Torreira; Martinelli, Ceballos, Nelson; Lacazette
Leeds United possible starting lineup:
Meslier; Ayling, White, Berardi, Douglas; Phillips, Klich; Gotts, Harrison, Alioski; Bamford
Our Prediction:
Arsenal 3-1 Leeds United
The Championship team may well find it tough to get the better off a rejuvenated Arsenal squad. The Gunners are now looking a complete team with traces of 2003-2004 in them. To stop them would be a difficult task and so would be gaining possession against them.
