Last updated on August 24, 2025
Join our WhatsApp community and be part of the conversation!
The Emirates will buzz with anticipation this Saturday evening as Arsenal open their home campaign against Leeds United.
Image credit: Twin Cities Gooners
The Emirates is set to light up this Saturday as Arsenal finally play their first home game of the season.
The Gunners are coming off a solid, if unspectacular, 1–0 win away at Old Trafford, while Leeds arrive buzzing after nicking three points against Everton on opening day.
Table of Contents
Arsenal’s Mood
Let’s be real—Arsenal didn’t look ruthless in Manchester.
They were organised, they worked hard, but without Havertz and Jesus, the attack felt toothless.
💥 Love the Premier League? Stay Ahead of the Game – Join the Ultimate EPL Fan Newsletter!
That’s the worry: Gyökeres, our shiny new striker, didn’t even register a shot in his debut. Harsh? Maybe.
But the Premier League doesn’t wait around—he needs to click fast.
On the bright side, our defence looks mean.
Saliba and Gabriel barely gave United a sniff, and that backline is going to be key again against Leeds.
Add in the fact that we’re monsters from set pieces (no one scores more from corners than us lately), and we’ve always got a way to nick goals even when the attack misfires.
Leeds’ Hopes
Leeds are buzzing to be back in the big time, and they’ve got that “newly promoted fight” about them.
Lukas Nmecha scored on his debut, they defended with heart, and they’ll come to London dreaming of an upset.
But here’s the stat they won’t like: they haven’t beaten Arsenal in the league for 14 games. Fourteen.
And the Emirates is basically a graveyard for promoted teams—42 games unbeaten here.
Still, Leeds won’t care about history.
They’ll sit deep, try to frustrate us, and maybe launch a counter or two.
If Calvert-Lewin plays, he gives them a big target up front, which could make things awkward.
In midfield, they’ll miss Ethan Ampadu’s bite, but Jaka Bijol returns after suspension.
Don’t be surprised if Noah Okafor also gets minutes—he’s got pace that could trouble Arsenal late on.
What We Expect
Honestly, this feels like one of those games where Arsenal fans just want the team to get the job done.
Play with energy, show a bit of flair, and don’t give Leeds hope.
It doesn’t have to be 5–0, but the crowd will want a performance that feels like we’re actually title contenders.
Potential Lineups
Arsenal (4-3-3):
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Martinelli.
👉 Basically the strongest available XI. Rice will hold things, Ødegaard pulls the strings, and fans will hope Martinelli and Saka run Leeds ragged.
The big question is Gyökeres—time to deliver.
Leeds (4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3)
Perri; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Gudmundsson; Stach, Gruev, Tanaka; Gnonto, Nmecha, Harrison
👉 Farke might play it safe, pack the midfield, and leave Calvert-Lewin (if he starts) to scrap up top.
Summerville and Gnonto out wide could be their main outlet when Arsenal push too high.
