Arsenal return to Premier League action against Leeds United at the Emirates this evening.
Gunners fans are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Eberechi Eze after the club sensationally swooped in to sign the England star under the noses of arch-rivals Tottenham this week.
In order for him to be involved today, Arsenal had to registered the 27-year-old by noon on Friday. But with no confirmation of the deal just yet, that is looking very unlikely.
Arsenal got their campaign up and running with victory over Manchester United on Sunday, leaving Old Trafford with a 1-0 victory despite looking far from their best.
Viktor Gyokeres had an uneventful debut in Manchester, failing to record a single shot on goal.
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The Sweden international, signed from Sporting CP this summer, will surely keep his place in the sidefollowing confirmation Kai Havertz is facing a spell out with a knee injury.
Mikel Arteta was unable to put a timeline on his return with the forward set to undergo further tests.
It wasn’t just Gyokeres who had a quiet afternoon against United – Arsenal’s entire attacking unit was undercooked against United with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice in midfield all largely anonymous.
Leandro Trossard, who has agreed a new contract with the club, and Noni Madueke will be pushing to replace the Brazilian on the left.
Riccardo Calafiori was given the nod at left-back, scoring his side’s winning goal after 13 minutes as he seemingly did enough to keep his place in the side.
On the other flank, Ben White was preferred to Jurrien Timber.
White is a doubt for this evening’s game with Arteta also explaining on Friday they are exercising caution over Timber’s fitness.
Christian Norgaard meanwhile missed the trip to Manchester with the former Brentford captain set to miss out again today.
Gabriel Jesus is the club’s only other injury absentee.
Arsenal XI to face Leeds – Metro prediction
It wasn’t pretty from Arsenal on Sunday but it got the job done. Arteta noted his players need time to get to grips with the presence of Gyokeres up front with the visit of Leeds an ideal opportunity to put them to work again.
Other than the possible inclusions of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Timber at full-back, it is difficult to envisage many changes.
Arsenal vs Leeds channel and kick-off time
Arsenal vs Leeds kicks off on Saturday 23 August with kick-off scheduled for 5:30pm.
You can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event with streaming also available through the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers.
You can also follow all the action with Metro’s LIVE match day blog.
