Leeds United face another huge match in their battle to avoid the drop as they make the trip to top four chasing Arsenal. The Whites enter the weekend round of matches just two points above the bottom three, and so some sort of result at the Emirates could be vital.
But opponents Arsenal have aspirations of their own, and with a massive North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur to follow just four days later, they will view three points as vital here. Ahead of Sunday’s trip to North London, here are three key battles which could provide pivotal to deciding the outcome of the match.
Junior Firpo vs Bukayo Saka
From a defensive standpoint, Junior Firpo’s duel with Bukayo Saka is undoubtedly the one that stands out. Saka has been one of, if not the best young player in the Premier League this season, netting 11 goals and providing six assists.
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Firpo started his first game since early March against Manchester City and will have to ensure he is at his sharpest against Saka. The 25-year-old has struggled, particularly defensively, since his summer move from Barcelona and Saka is set to provide him with one of his toughest assignments yet.
The England international is capable of beating defenders by both cutting in, and going round the outside, something which Firpo will need to be aware of. If the Leeds left back can produce his best game in a white shirt yet, then much of Arsenal’s attacking threat will be nullified.
Kalvin Phillips vs Martin Odegaard
Another player Leeds will have to restrict in order to get a result is attacking midfielder Martin Odegaard, who has been pulling all the strings for the Gunners in recent months. Not only is Odegaard creative in the final third, but he is also excellent at keeping possession in order to sustain attacks.
The Norway captain was instrumental in the 4-1 win at Elland Road earlier in the season, however Leeds’ star man Kalvin Phillips was absent for that clash, which was a huge blow. Leeds will be relying on Phillips to be aggressive against Odegaard on the ball to ensure he does not have the time to dictate the game.
If Phillips is at his best, then Leeds could have some success in the midfield, where they are unlikely to enjoy a great deal of the ball.
Raphinha vs Nuno Tavares
While Leeds will certainly have to be at their best defensively, in order to get a result they will have to pose a threat the other way, too. And there is no better way for them to do that than to exploit the defensive weakness of Nuno Tavares.
Tavares, while a threat going forward, is shaky on the ball and often a liability in defence, which could allow Raphinha the chance to what he does best. If Leeds decide to operate with a back five again, that would ensure the Brazilian is able to spend more of the game in the wide areas, in comparison to the usual 4-2-2-2, where he is more central.
