Premier League: A Must-Win Match for Both Arsenal and Leeds

Arsenal vs Leeds United

The 2021-22 Premier League season is winding down, and there are few matches left where both teams are in a must-win situation. Matchweek 36 has a couple of them, including this huge matchup between Arsenal and Leeds, which has huge ramifications at either end of the table.

The Gunners need the victory to maintain their grip on fourth place and the final Champions League place. Meanwhile, Leeds are in the thick of the relegation scrap and need to pick up points to avoid the drop.

The Premier League 2022 betting odds have in-form Arsenal as significant favourites to pick up their fourth win on the bounce. But don’t count out the Whites, who had gone five games unbeaten before falling victim to leaders Manchester City last week.

Talking Points

Arsenal still in pole position for top four

Arsenal are in the midst of one of their hot streaks once again. After losing three games in a row, they have bounced back to win their last three against Chelsea (2-4), Manchester United (3-1), and West Ham (1-2). It’s the fifth time Mikel Arteta’s side has gone on a three-game winning streak this Premier League season, and they remain two points clear of rivals Tottenham for fourth.

Eddie Nketiah has been instrumental in the Gunners’ recent surge as he’s filled in fabulously for Alexandre Lacazette. Nketiah had a team-leading six shots last time out against the Hammers, four of which were on target. Bukayo Saka has been brilliant as well, with two goals and an assist during the three-game win streak.

Mohamed Elneny also deserves a lot of credit as he has slotted back into the midfield after several months out of the side and has played well in Thomas Partey’s absence.

Arteta is unlikely to make too many changes to a settled front six that has been playing well of late. But he should finally have his first-choice right side of defence back against Leeds. Right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu made his first start in several months against West Ham, while Ben White, who missed the West Ham win due to injury, looks set to return and play against his old club.

Leeds facing relegation battle

After looking like they were so close to safety, Leeds United are still fighting for their Premier League lives. With the combination of them losing 4-0 to Manchester City and both Burnley and Everton winning, the Whites are now just two points above the relegation zone.

Jesse Marsch’s men never stood much of a chance against Man City, and their hopes were dashed even further when Stuart Dallas suffered a broken leg at the stroke of half-time. Leeds have had horrendous injury luck all season long, and Dallas’ absence for the crucial run-in will be a massive blow.

Marsch played an overly defensive back five against City, but he will likely be forced to revert to a more orthodox back four with Dallas out.

Prior to facing City, Leeds’ recent Premier League 2022 results had been quite good. They went five games unbeaten, with three wins and two draws. Marsch was finally getting some consistent performances from his side during that time, and he must get the attack firing on all cylinders again.

The front four of Rodrigo, Dan James, Raphinha, and Jack Harrison is expected to start. Although, Marsch’s options beyond those four are still limited, with 20-year-olds Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood his top choices off the bench.

Leeds have been quite plucky away from home of late. They are unbeaten in their last three, with two wins over Wolves (2-3) and Watford (0-3) and a goalless draw at Crystal Palace.

History

It has been a good long while since Leeds have beaten Arsenal. In fact, it has been nearly 20 years, with the Whites’ last win over the Gunners coming in 2003.

Arsenal have gone unbeaten in their 11 matches since then (nine wins, two draws), although six of them have come in cup competitions.

Leeds held Arsenal to a goalless draw in their first meeting after returning to the Premier League, but they have since lost their last two games, surrendering four goals on each occasion. They were thumped 4-1 in their first meeting of this season at Elland Road. Gabriel Martinelli starred with a first-half brace, while Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe also scored.

Betting Tip

SBOTOP odds have Arsenal installed as 1.46 favourites to get the win at the Emirates. Leeds are 6.40 underdogs, while a Draw is 4.40.

With both sides desperate not to suffer a defeat, this match has the potential to be quite a defensive affair. Having both Tomiyasu and White back will be big for Arsenal, who haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last six. Dallas’ injury will be a blow to Leeds’ defence, but they have shown the ability to battle amid injury absences, and I expect them to do so at the Emirates as they fight for Premier League survival.

 

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