please log in to view this image Leeds Utd v Arsenal Sunday 16th October@14:00hrs | Elland Road League leaders Arsenal are the visitors to Elland Road on Sunday lunchtime, as Leeds go in search for their first win in almost two months. The cards couldn't be stacked any more in the Gunner's favour! The most inform club in the Country faces a struggling Leeds side who have only picked up two points from their last five games. Leeds have not beaten the Gunners since May 2003 when strikes from Kewell, Harte and Vikuka gave the Whites an unlikely 3-2 victory at Highbury helping them to survive the 2002/03 season by the finest of margins. Leeds welcome back Luis Sinisterra after his one match ban, following his sending off against Aston Villa almost a fortnight ago. Media sources are indicating that Rodrigo will make way for the Columbian. Jesse Marsch must decide what whether he wants to make any changes in defence. Wing backs Luke Ayling and Junior Firpo are pushing for a return to the starting line up but Kristensen's impressive display against Crystal Palace may give him a slight advantage. Similarly, Struijk has been solid at left back, though Marsch may decide to switch him to centre back, which could open the door for Firpo. Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt have largely been ineffective up front this season. It is hoped that once they get back on the scoresheet, their confidence will grow, and goals will start to flow. Italian International Wilfred Gnonto netted the only goal of the game for the U21's against Sunderland on Monday evening, and is expected to be given some game time. Arsenal face a trip 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle on Thursday evening to face Norwegian minnows Bodo/Glimt. Mikel Arteta chose to rest Gabriel Jesus in preparation for Sunday's game. Former on loan Striker Eddie Nketiah could become the first Englishman to score in five consecutive starts in the Europa League if he gets on the scoresheet tonight (Thursday). Oleksandr Zinchenko is doubtful for Sunday's game. He picked up a calf injury in training several weeks ago, and has not fully recovered.
“Media sources say……” If Marsch does drop Rodrigo for Bamford due to Sinisterra coming back, then Bamford better be fully fit because for me he loses his best striker for a dud. Bamford was pants last week and costs us the game
I don’t think JM is a big enough bastard!!! If players are not doing the business then pull them or don’t even start them, Cooper is a prime example, but I’ll bet anyone he plays Sunday. Gnonto has to be found a slot, well he used to play Dan James and the Italian is a far better player in ability and technical wise. Going to be interesting and it’s getting close to the first 10 games then I shall give my assessment on the gun slinger.
"Coincidently, at the time, Arsenal were top of the table, and ended up winning the title that season, whilst Leeds got relegated." Leeds stayed up that season and Arsenal finished 2nd. It came true the following season though, with Arsenal going on a 49 game unbeaten run.
We got relegated in 2004, not 2003 though. That win at Highbury meant we were 4 points clear of relegation with one game to play.
Need to win this. As you know my son is a gooner So is a barman at the local, I bet him a drink every game and have had to buy him one since the league cup game. He’s given me odds of 3-1 he’s feeling that confident
So to sum up... Drop Bamford. For whom? The ever failing Rodrigo? The unknown Gnonto? The failed kid Gelhardt? Perkins? Joseph? Drop Cooper? For whom? Put the error prone Llorente back in? Put Struijk in and play Harrison at left back? A random from the 21's? Recall the lad Cresswell that has been dropped from a struggling Millwall side? Marsch to be sacked? Who is his replacement? What effect will it have on players like Aaronson, Adams, Kristensen that came to play for him?
Is it just me who hates arteta… not quite lampard levels but not far off. Sarky, Moany, charmless cnut. Hope the feckers blow up, and hope it starts Sunday. I’m not expecting it to start Sunday obviously…
Should Jesse try something different this match to try and catch Arsenal and Arteta off guard ? Maybe try 5 at the back, or how about starting both Joffy & Bamford up front ? Ideas on a postcard to LS11 before Sunday please
I'm quietly optimistic for Sunday. Yes it can go horribly wrong but we are due a bit of luck, a couple of decisions and we can't keep missing chances. Eventually one or two will go in. Arsenal won't come to kill the game. They'll come to win. That gives us opportunities too.
They are playing well though Emu. I just can't see us getting anything out of it. Sorry for being so negative. Like I've repeated on a regular basis, we not only have a good side to tend with, we also have to hope the the ref is fair and that VAR is working.
Mate, I'm expecting a defeat myself. As you say, they are a good side at the moment. I just don't think it could be as easy for Arsenal as alot of people think. They were very average against Fulham and Villa at home in narrow wins and although winning 0-2 at Palace it was a close game. They've played this week away in Europe too. If they are off it and we are on it like we were in the first half at Palace we will give them a right game. Fingers crossed we turn up and Martinelli has a bad game.
Bamford and Gelhardt are 2 out of the 3 bottom players for us and don't deserve game time. I'd play:- ---------------------Meslier--------------------- Christensen--Koch--Cooper--Struijk--Firpo -------------Adams----------Roca-------------- Aaronson-----------------------------Harrison ------------------Sinisterra----------------------
