Leeds vs Arsenal

The gates of Elland Road open this afternoon, Saturday, January 31, 2026, for a classic encounter between Leeds United and Arsenal. With a 15:00 GMT kick-off, the atmosphere in West Yorkshire is expected to be fierce as the league leaders look to steady their title charge against a resilient Leeds side.

Arsenal currently leads the Premier League with 54 points, but their lead has been trimmed to just four points following a three-game winless run in the league. Leeds United, sitting in 16th place (26 points), have turned their home ground into a fortress under Daniel Farke, remaining unbeaten in their last five matches at Elland Road.

Match Information

Leeds United: The "Elland Road Fortress"

Leeds arrive after a gritty 1–1 draw at Everton on Monday night, where James Justin scored a superb opener. Under Farke, the Whites have become "pragmatic giants-killers" at home, having already taken points off Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United this season. Their organization and high-intensity pressing off the ball have made them one of the most difficult defensive units to break down in transitions.

Team News and Selection:

• Injury Absences: Lukas Nmecha (hamstring) and Jaka Bijol (thigh) are both ruled out.

• Returning Stars: Anton Stach and Jayden Bogle are both fit to start. Daniel James has returned to training and is back in the matchday squad, though he may start on the bench.

• The "DCL" Factor: Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the focal point of the attack, leading the club with 9 goals this season.

• Predicted XI (3-5-2): Darlow; Rodon, Bornauw, Struijk; Bogle, Ampadu, Gruev, Justin, Stach; Aaronson, Calvert-Lewin.

Arsenal: The Leaders’ Response

Mikel Arteta’s side snapped a mini-slump with a 3–2 Champions League win over Kairat Almaty in midweek, but they haven't won a Premier League game since New Year's Day. The Gunners have struggled for clinical finishing in recent draws against Nottingham Forest and Liverpool, but the return of key defensive anchors should provide the platform they’ve been missing.

Team News and Selection:

• Triple Boost: William Saliba and Jurriën Timber are both fit to return to the starting XI after missing the midweek trip. Declan Rice and Mikel Merino are also available after serving European suspensions.

• Long-term Out: The only definite absentee is the 16-year-old sensation Max Dowman (ankle).

• The New Striker: All eyes are on Viktor Gyökeres, who is looking to add to his tally as Arsenal's leading scorer.

• Predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard.

Head-to-Head (H2H) and Form

• One-Sided Rivalry: Arsenal has won their last seven matches against Leeds in all competitions, including a 5–0 drubbing in the reverse fixture back in August 2025.

• Home vs Away: Leeds is unbeaten at home since November. Arsenal, however, has the second-best away record in the league this season.

• The "Gyökeres" Threat: Arsenal has scored 2+ goals in six of their last seven encounters against the Whites.

• Defensive Discipline: Leeds have conceded only two goals in their last four home league matches.

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

This match is a classic battle of possession vs. transition. Arsenal will likely dominate the ball, using Zubimendi and Ødegaard to probe the wings. Leeds, however, excel in a low block and will rely on the pace of James Justin and Brenden Aaronson to hit Arsenal on the counter-attack.

If Leeds can survive the initial 20-minute blitz, the Elland Road crowd will become a major factor. However, with Saliba and Rice back to shore up the spine, Arsenal should have the defensive stability to prevent a repeat of their recent collapses.

Final Score Prediction: Leeds United 1–2 Arsenal