Leeds United were held to a 1-1 draw by Wolves in the Premier League and next up, they take on Arsenal in the Carabao Cup Round of 16.
Leeds have made a really poor start to their 2021/22 campaign, winning just one out of their first nine matches in the league which means they are now 17th on the table. The pressure is building on the Elland Road outfit so this EFL Cup clash comes at the worst possible time.
The Carabao Cup is a good chance for Marcelo Bielsa to bring some confidence back among his players but Arsenal have managed to regain their confidence so beating the Gunners will be no easy task.
To make matters worse, the Leeds United boss will be missing some key players due to injuries so he has no other option but to use some of the exhausted players on Tuesday. Leeds have been able to beat the Gunners in their previous six meetings, managing to pick up only one point which came in a 0-0 draw in November of 2020.
Leeds United team news vs Arsenal:
A 4-1-4-1 system has been the preferred tactic for Bielsa so we think he is going to stick with this same formation against Arsenal as well. Some personnel are going to change though.
Liam Cooper and Llorente are both going to be rested meaning Charlie Cresswell and Struijk should get a chance to start.
Luke Ayling remains on the sidelines with an ankle injury hence he is ruled out for Tuesday’s game. This means Shackleton will hold onto his place while Dallas operates on the left-hand side.
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Kalvin Phillips did not feature against Wolves but the England international is should come back into the side and slot into his defensive midfielder’s role.
Joe Gelhardt replaced Mateusz Klich during the weekend and the 19-year-old could be rewarded with a start on Tuesday as he starts alongside Klich.
Raphinha picked up a knock during the weekend so he remains a doubt for the Arsenal game. Given this is a cup game, we don’t think the Leeds United boss is going to risk using him even if he is fit.
A change in formation means Dan James is going to move out wide Tyler Roberts playing as the main centre-forward. Patrick Bamford is out with an ankle injury and the manager will hopefully look to rest Rodrigo.
Leeds United predicted line up vs Arsenal:
Predicted Starting Line up: Meslier; Shackleton, Cresswell, Strujik, Dallas; Kalvin Phillips; Summerville, Klich, Joe Gelhardt, James; Roberts/Rodrigo.
Stats via Fotmob.
