Prediction and odds for the game: Arsenal (1/2) v Leeds (5/1)
We are backing the home win.
When: Monday 06th January 2020, Kick-off 7:56 PM
Where: The Emirates Stadium
On Monday night, Arsenal host Leeds United in the FA Cup third round at the Emirates Stadium, as the Gunners look to build on Mikel Arteta maiden victory as their new head coach.
Arsenal
The team from north London heads into this potentially dangerous clash with the high-flying Championship outfit on the back of a much-needed win. The 2-0 win over Manchester United last time out was not only Arteta’s first as Gunners boss but also ended a winless run of five games without a victory in all competitions. Even with that victory last time out, their record of two wins in 16 matches in all competitions is a woeful one.
Arsenal takes a break from their struggles this weekend in the top-flight in a game that they will hope will continue the positive momentum from the win over Manchester United.
The home side has a mixed record in the FA Cup in recent years, as they have lost two of their last three matches in the competition. Having won the FA Cup in 2017, the Gunners have exited at the third and fourth round stages respectively in the previous two seasons.
Leeds
The visitor’s obvious priority for this season is securing a return to the Premier League this season. Marcelo Bielsa’s team are currently top of the Championship table, but their form has dipped slightly in recent weeks.
In fact, the Yorkshire outfit has won just once in their last five outings. They have suffered just one defeat in that run of games, though, as they have simply drawn too many matches of late in the second tier.
The FA Cup may not be their priority, but this game will be good for Bielsa to judge his team against top-flight opposition. It remains to be seen if the Chilean boss will rotate his squad for the trip to north London. If he fields a strong team then they should give Arsenal a game.
The Whites do not have a great recent record in the FA Cup, as like their hosts they have exited the competition at the early stages in recent seasons, losing four of their last five games.
The visitors have exited at this stage of the competition in the last two seasons. It is fair to point out that Monday night’s game will be Leeds seventh straight away tie in the FA Cup. It seems they don’t travel well when it comes to the competition, judging by their recent record.
Conclusion
Arsenal are certainly not reliable at the minute. If Leeds fields a strong side, the Gunners may find it tough. However, we are backing Arteta’s team to build on the win against United by recording a home win.
It is difficult to tell the changes that both bosses will make to their teams. However, the recent history of both sides suggests this game could produce goals, so we are going for the over 2.5 goals scored.
Verdict: We are backing the home win at odds of 1/ 2 and/or over 2.5 goals scored at odds of 3/5. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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