A cracker in store when Bielsa meets Arteta
In one of the most exciting Premier League fixtures this weekend, Marcelo Bielsea meets Mikel Arteta with the best newly promoted side so far in Leeds United playing host to FA Cup holders Arsenal. Both sides lost their last outing before the international break and will be looking to build some momentum as the season presses along towards the new year, the Gunners occupy 11th place with fans still feeling positive about Arteta, that support will wane if their spell outside the top six or at least top eight continues. Arsenal are comfortable favourites but Leeds very capable, goals is the way to go for me.
Goal line
The Whites have got on the scoresheet in eight of their nine outings this term, conceding on seven on those occasions with a both teams to score punt winning in two thirds of their matches. The North Londoners have scored in 10 of their 14 games so far, conceding in nine of them with both teams scoring in six. In simple terms, Leeds are more than good enough to breach the Arsenal backline, but definitely too leaky to keep a clean sheet, feel confident in BTTS.
Leeds have shipped eight goals in their last two matches, leaving them joint with West Bromwich Albion with the worst defensive record in the division, both letting in 17. They also have the second worst expected goals against at 14.3, the plethora of talent at Arteta’s disposal would back themselves to score more than once in Yorkshire.
Unpredictability
Arsenal went down 3-0 at home to Aston Villa last time out, before back to back 4-1 defeats, Leeds beat Dean Smith’s men 3-0 in their own backyard, so this should be a straightforward one for the hosts right? Obviously not, however the Whites are more suited to playing against teams that will come onto them, they scored three and were unlucky to lose at Anfield on the opening day and managed a respectable 1-1 draw with Manchester City so they will feel optimistic about this Sunday. It could be a cracker, both play really easy on the eye styles and it will be intriguing to see how the gaffers’ systems play off against one another.
Look out for Patrick Bamford, on fire compared to his lacklustre finishing last season, the 27-year-old is in the form of his life and has bagged four more league goals than the next highest scorer, Alexandre Lacazette, in this fixture.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
This one really went against the trend. 0-0.