Last updated & checked: 10/08/2021
This should be a very interesting game indeed. That’s because this is a contest between a Premier League and Championship side – something that always makes the FA Cup such an intriguing proposition – as well as because each team comes into this game at a vital time.
For Arsenal, they emerge at a new dawn with fresh manager Mikel Arteta. They have also just managed what many consider to be a perfect start to a new era, with a brilliant 2-0 victory over Manchester United. Leeds United, on the other hand, find themselves just clinging onto their top domestic league position. This could certainly represent an opportunity to prove they belong amongst the best in English football, here and elsewhere.
Arsenal vs Leeds United Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Leeds
This is a very tough one to predict, as Leeds are excelling in the Championship while Arsenal tread water in the middle of the Premier League. However, Arsenal have made positive changes and especially impressed in their most recent outing. Meanwhile, Leeds have struggled to maintain their momentum despite coming out victorious in a spectacular nine-goal thriller against Birmingham. Of course, there’s always a gap in the quality of teams between the leagues, meaning we have to give the edge to Arsenal. Nonetheless, this will mean an awful lot to promotion hopefuls Leeds, so a tough match is likely. With that in mind, our scoreline prediction is 1-1.
Our recommended tip: Double chance Arsenal – draw
The decision to go with a draw was one we laboured over for some time. There’s little doubt in our minds that if we had to make another scoreline prediction, it would be in favour of Arsenal. We’ve gone through our reasons why we think they have the advantage in our previous section, but we concluded that Leeds United’s passion and fiery abilities would net them a stalemate. However, if you want a lower-risk bet, we think a Double Chance Arsenal – Draw wager is a great option. MarathonBet currently offer 47/250 odds on this market.
Previous matches
Another reason to give Arsenal the advantage here is their most recent encounters. Arsenal bested Leeds in six of their last eight matches, losing only one. Impressive a record though that is, the last match did take place in 2012, which is a lifetime ago in the world of football. Both sides have changed so much that you can question the validity of this advantage. Still, it is something – however small in reality – which weighs in Arsenal’s favour. That said, Leeds fans can take comfort in the fact that this can still be considered a relatively fresh match-up in 2020.
Top 3 FA Cup Bookies
Players to watch: Nicolas Pépé & Patrick Bamford
Arsenal: Nicolas Pépé
When picking players to watch from Arsenal, we of course had to look most closely at their comeback outing against Manchester United. We know we have gone on about it, but it really felt – with a new manager and a fresh outlook – like a new beginning after months of mediocrity. The man who stood out most for us during this game was Nicholas Pépé, who scored early and remained a constant threat throughout.
Leeds United: Patrick Bamford
Not only will this match be a proving ground for Leeds United – a team desperate to prove they belong alongside a Premier League juggernaut like Arsenal – but will also be one for top goalscorer Patrick Bamford. He missed out on that classic game against Birmingham and was even called selfish by some for not setting up Mateusz Klich for the later winner against West Brom. Here he has the chance to show himself as the game changer he has been for this ambitious team.
