The Premier League returns to the Emirates on Saturday as Arsenal – Leeds headlines Matchweek 2 of the 2025-26 season.

Both sides are looking to build on opening-week victories, with the Gunners edging past Manchester United in dramatic fashion, while Leeds marked their top-flight comeback with a narrow but deserved win over Everton.

Key facts before Arsenal – Leeds

Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Old Trafford was their sixth Premier League away victory over Manchester United in history, extending their unbeaten run against the league’s traditional “Big Six” to 22 games.

Riccardo Calafiori’s debut strike secured the points, aided by David Raya’s reflex saves that frustrated United’s new-look attack.

For Leeds, Lukas Nmecha’s penalty was enough to seal their first Premier League win in over two years.

However, history does not favor the Yorkshire side: they have lost their last seven league matches in London and are winless in 14 straight encounters with Arsenal, stretching back to 2003.

The Arsenal – Leeds fixture also pits one of the league’s strongest home records against a side notorious for struggling in the capital.

Arsenal remain unbeaten in their last 42 home games against promoted teams, a streak Chelsea once set at 43.

Predictions and tactical analysis

The clash of styles is clear.

Arsenal will dominate possession, pushing high with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli stretching the flanks, while Viktor Gyökeres looks to make his mark after a quiet debut.

Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice will dictate midfield tempo, supported by new signing Martín Zubimendi, whose calm presence offers defensive stability.

Leeds, under Daniel Farke, are expected to counter with pace and press in bursts, but leaving space behind could prove costly.

Their resilience at home to Everton was impressive, but containing Arsenal’s attacking waves at the Emirates is another challenge entirely.

From a statistical standpoint, Arsenal are on a three-game winning streak in the league, though all by single-goal margins.

Leeds, meanwhile, have not won back-to-back top-flight matches since 2002.

Predictive models favor Arsenal heavily, with probabilities leaning towards a home win: 65% Arsenal, 22% draw, 13% Leeds.

Team news and possible lineups

Injury concerns still weigh on Mikel Arteta’s plans. Kai Havertz (knee) and Gabriel Jesus (ACL) remain sidelined, while Christian Nørgaard is out and Ben White faces a late fitness test.

Arsenal fans are buzzing after hijacking Spurs’ move for Eberechi Eze, but it’s too early for him to debut, leaving Martinelli secure on the left wing.

Leeds will be without Ethan Ampadu after an MCL injury sustained on opening day. Ilia Gruev is expected to deputize in midfield, while Jaka Bijol returns from suspension.

New arrival Noah Okafor could make his debut up front after joining from AC Milan.

Arsenal predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Martinelli.
Leeds predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Perri; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Gudmundsson; Stach, Gruev; Tanaka; Gnonto, Harrison, Nmecha.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Leeds United

Back at home, Arsenal should settle quicker in attack and punish defensive lapses from Leeds.

The visitors may pose an early test, but Arteta’s men are expected to control the tempo and extend their dominance in this fixture.