Arsenal vs. Leeds Predictions: Back the Gunners to rack up the goals against lowly Leeds

The cynosure of Super Sunday takes place at the Emirates where Arsenal host Leeds United at 14:00 live on Sky Sports. 

This clash is equally important for both sides and will have ramifications on the proceedings at both the summit and base of the Premier League table.

As I write, Mikel Arteta’s side have their noses in front of their North London rivals heading into the home straight. The Gunners sit in fourth, two points ahead of Spurs who go to Anfield on Saturday evening. 

Defeat for Antonio Conte’s side this weekend could leave them five points off the pace with three games to play if Arsenal can beat Leeds on Sunday, though it is worth pointing out the Gunners still have to face Tottenham away from home.

Long-term, the hosts will be bolstered by the news that their supremo signed a contract extension to remain at the club until 2025. Short-term, the boss will be delighted to have Takehiro Tomiyasu back fit, the Japanese defender returning to start in Arsenal's last game. He may also be joined by Ben White, who will be given until the last minute to prove his fitness.

Leeds currently cling to seventeenth spot, they sit one place and two points clear of the drop, though Everton have a game in hand.

Liam Cooper pulled out of their most recent match against Manchester City in the warm up but could return here. That was one of two casualties that evening. The other saw Stuart Dallas break his leg following a collision with Jack Grealish. Last season's player of the season could be out for up to a year but is expected to make a full recovery.

Arteta’s side come into this in fine fettle having won their last three games on the spin, averaging three goals per game over that period. This consistent attacking process should come as no surprise though as Arsenal’s boss has settled on a balanced midfield formula. Granit Xhaka has been an ever present at the base with Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka operating in behind either Eddie Nketiah or Alexandre Lacazette.

They have been a formidable force at the Emirates this campaign. Only Liverpool and Man City have taken more points at home than Arsenal’s 35 as they have only lost four league games on home soil, two of which coming to the aforementioned Reds and City.

In fact, the Gunners have developed a bit of a reputation as flat track bullies. Excluding their four games against the two best sides in the division, they have played 30, winning 20 and taken 63 points from a possible 90.

Their recent issues lie in defence. Arsenal have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last six league games and have only kept three in their last 12. However, with Tomiyasu back in the XI and White being given every chance to play, the Gunners should be a lot tighter for the visit of Leeds.

Second-season syndrome differs from club to club and the visitors have certainly suffered from their version of it. A culmination of poor tactics, recruitment and a lack of squad depth have left United clinging to safety.

No side has conceded more goals than Leeds this campaign (72), 58% of which have come in the 10 games against the ‘big six’. This bet clicked in six of those fixtures as Liverpool beat them 9-0 on aggregate, City 11-0, Man Utd 11-3, Spurs 6-1 and Arsenal won the reverse 4-1.

Therefore, I am willing to take my chances on the higher line here.

Best of luck if you are following any of these selections and please remember to gamble responsibly.