Arsenal predicted starting XI v Leeds - Arteta makes Martinelli decision

Arsenal are in action away at Leeds in Saturday’s late Premier League kickoff.

The Gunners are back in form, winning their last two league games.

In addition, Arsenal have no fresh injury or suspension worries, while the Whites have plenty.

Mikel Arteta’s charges will therefore be favourites against Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

That said, Arsenal have a quick turnaround as they host Sunderland in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.

Although they’re taking on a League One side, it’s a quarter-final and the stakes are high.

With that in mind, who could start for Arsenal against Leeds on Saturday?

Much of the team picks itself, in all fairness.

Aaron Ramsdale is now first-choice in goal and won’t make way unless he’s injured or suspended.

The defence is also likely to stay the same – that’s Kieran Tierney, Gabriel, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Tomiyasu is certainly due a break but chances are he’ll get it on Tuesday.

The only change we predict could happen is in midfield.

Albert Sambi Lokonga boasts greater mobility than Granit Xhaka, and he’d do a great job resisting the Leeds press.

In addition, the Switzerland ace has not long returned to action after a long-term injury.

Therefore, a rest wouldn’t be a bad thing.

The rest of the team is likely to be unchanged.

We’re likely to see Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Alexandre Lacazette start against Leeds.

While Emile Smith Rowe will be gutted to miss out, Martinelli is in great form and Arteta won’t want to halt his momentum.