Noni Madueke starts: Arsenal predicted XI to face Leeds United
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could make two changes to his side for the visit of Leeds United despite their opening day victory at Manchester United.
Riccardo Calafiori headed home the only goal of the game after Man United shot stopper Altay Bayindir’s weak piece of goalkeeping.
Viktor Gyokeres made his Premier League debut at Old Trafford, and the striker could not make an impression as his Arsenal team mates failed to give him any service.
Arsenal were fortunate to come away with all three points, and after Leeds beat Everton in their opening fixture the Whites will head to Emirates Stadium in confident mood.
Arteta unable to call upon new signing
Arteta will be without striker Kai Havertz after he picked up a knee injury, meaning Gyokeres is certain to be backed to lead the line again.
Amid the Havertz injury, Arsenal swooped ahead of Tottenham for Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace.
Eze had a medical booked in on Friday, but will not be available to take part against Leeds.
Noni Madueke though could be handed a first start after being introduced as a substitute against Man United.
Ben White is a doubt for the encounter against his former club, and Christain Norgaard is still on the sidelines.
Arteta has said he has to “manage the load” of defender Jurrien Timber, who only came on as a substitute last week, hinting the Dutchman is still not ready to start.
With White potentially out, Myles Lewis-Skelly may step in and Calafiori may move to right-back.
Gyokeres to prove a point
Football Insider Verdict
It was a difficult debut for Gyokeres, who after much hype around his arrival was the centre of criticism for Arsenal’s underwhelming opening match display.
Gyokeres could not get himself into the game due to the poor service given to him by his team mates and Arsenal’s inability to keep possession for a sustained period.
Against Leeds, the Swedish international should see more action as Arsenal are expected to dominate possession at Emirates Stadium.
Gyokeres will be eager to show his qualities and Arteta will want to see a better performance from his side.
| Appearances | 102 |
| Goals | 97 |
| Assists | 28 |
Madueke will also be a summer arrival wanting to prove a point and make an impression before Eze enters the squad.
Eze will likely take up the left flank, so Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli will both want to start to nail down the position.
After Martinelli started at Old Trafford, this could be Madueke’s moment to stake his claim.