Premier League: Arsenal vs Leeds United preview 08/23/2025


Match Overview & Event Details

  • Date & Time: Saturday, 23 August 2025, kick-off at 18:30 BST.
  • Venue: Emirates Stadium, London – Arsenal's fortress and stage for this early-season test.

This is a Gameweek 2 fixture. Both teams enter off positive results: Arsenal secured a notable opening win at Old Trafford, while Leeds also began with an away victory.

 

Team News & Tactical Landscape

Arsenal

Arsenal face an early-season injury crisis, particularly upfront:

  • Kai Havertz is sidelined with a knee issue, and his availability remains uncertain.
  • Gabriel Jesus remains out recovering from an ACL tear.
  • Christian Nørgaard is also unavailable with a knock.
  • Ben White is undergoing a late fitness test and may feature.
  • Arsenal are pursuing a transfer for Eberechi Eze—a boyhood fan—rejoining his former academy club. However, due to Premier League registration rules, it's doubtful he will be eligible against Leeds unless paperwork completes swiftly.
  • Defensive depth remains a concern: with absences stacking, players like Jakub Kiwior or Riccardo Calafiori may be drafted in.

Arteta stressed the importance of signing players aligned with the club's ethos—a clear nod to the identity-symbolic weight of the Eze pursuit.

Leeds United

Leeds return to the Premier League under Daniel Farke, bringing strong momentum:

  • Manager Arteta praised their pre-season and opening-day performances, indicating great respect for their revival.
  • While comprehensive injury/squad news is limited, Leeds appear relatively fit and confident.

 

Probable Lineups & Tactical Setup

Arsenal (likely 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1 hybrid)

Drawing from tactical previews:

  • Goalkeeper: David Raya
  • Defense: White (if fit), Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Calafiori
  • Midfield: Rice shields, Ødegaard orchestrates, Zubimendi balances
  • Attack: Saka (right), Martinelli (left), Viktor Gyokeres leading the line in absence of Havertz and Jesus

Leeds United (likely 4-2-3-1 / variations)

While less detail is available, they’ll likely line up with a dynamic front headed by strong wide options like Sinisterra (returning from suspension) and others, backed by a compact midfield.

 

Head-to-Head & Historical Context

Arsenal's dominance over Leeds is clear:

  • Out of 127 total clashes, Arsenal have won 53, with Leeds at 41 wins and 33 draws.
  • Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 14 meetings (12 wins, 2 draws), including each of the last six.
  • Leeds have lost 10 of their last 12 Premier League away matches at Arsenal and haven't kept a clean sheet in any of their last 14 trips.
  • Notably, Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 27 home league matches against promoted teams—a reassuring trend.

Opta simulations favor Arsenal, awarding them a 70.4% chance of victory; Leeds’ chances are placed at just 12.5%, with draws at 17.2%.
Betting previews suggest a comfortable Arsenal win but not a goal-fest, pointing toward a "Total under 3.5 goals".

Broadcast & Streaming Info

United Kingdom

  • No live TV coverage due to the traditional 3 pm blackout for Saturday games. Highlights will appear on Sky, BT, and BBC. Live commentary likely on BBC Radio 5 Live.

United States

  • Available on USA Network (English) and Universo (Spanish), streaming via FuboTV.

Canada

  • Watch on Fubo Canada.

Australia

  • Stream via Optus Sport.