Arsenal vs Leeds: Probable lineups, absences and key details for the Premier League clash
Arsenal and Leeds face off this Saturday (23) at 1:30 pm (Brasília time), in the second round of the Premier League, with the Emirates Stadium hosting its first official match of the 2025/26 season. Both teams started with narrow victories and now seek to consolidate momentum.
Match Details
- Date: August 23, 2025
- Time: 1:30 pm (Brasília)
- Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
- Competition: Premier League – Round 2
- Broadcast: ESPN and Disney+
Historically, Arsenal holds a clear edge: 17 wins against Leeds’ 8, with 5 draws. At home, the Gunners have been beaten only three times in 14 encounters.
Arsenal: Injuries and Doubts
Manager Mikel Arteta will once again be without Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, both sidelined with knee injuries. New signing Christian Norgaard remains doubtful after missing the opening game.
Likely lineup: David Raya; Ben White, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Tierney; Partey, Declan Rice, Merino; Nwaneri, Martinelli, Sterling.
Leeds: Reinforcements and Returns
On the Leeds side, Ethan Ampadu is a confirmed absentee until next month. Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is doubtful but could feature, while Jaka Bijol returns from suspension.
Likely lineup: Lucas Perri; Bogle, Strujik, Rodon, Gudmundsson; Stach, Tanaka, Gruev (Harrison); Daniel James, Piroe (Nmecha), Gnonto.
How They Started the Season
Arsenal opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford, relying once more on set pieces after struggling to create chances in open play. Arteta acknowledged the lack of fluency but expressed confidence in gradual improvement, especially with new arrivals like Zubimendi and Gyökeres.
Leeds, meanwhile, claimed a 1-0 home victory against Everton, dominating with 21 shots but showing poor efficiency, hitting the target just three times. Goalkeeper Lucas Perri had little work, facing only one shot on goal from the visitors.
What’s at Stake
For Arsenal, a home win would ease the criticism after a shaky debut and strengthen their claim as early title contenders. Leeds, on the other hand, aim to prove their opening-round victory was more than just a relegation-battle statement, and to cause an upset in London.
