LiontipsLeeds United vs Arsenal. Prediction and Betting Tips for English Premier League (December 18, 2021).
Command Analysis
Leed United had a very good season last year, but they are struggling to get into the top-10 in the current tournament. Marcelo Bielsa has quality players in his team, but his bench lacks the necessary depth.
The Whites had a solid start in the League Cup. They defeated Crew Alexandria (3:0) and Fulham (1:0 P) in the first rounds, but their next opponents were Arsenal. The Gunners knocked Leeds out of the tournament.
After the first 17 rounds of the Premier League, the Peacocks are 16th in the standings with 16 points from 3 victories and 7 draws. Leeds have one of the worst defenses in the league - they conceded 32 goals in 17 games. In the last three rounds, Leeds drew with Brentford (2:2), suffered a defeat to Chelsea (2:3), and got absolutely thrashed by Manchester City (0:7).
Koch, Bamford, Cooper, Rodrido, Struijk, Shackleton, and Kalvin are sidelined through injuries.
Arsenal finally climbed into the top-4 following their victory in the last match. The Londoners have almost no injuries or suspensions, except for captain and top scorer Aubameyang, who has been ruled out for disciplinary reasons.
The Gunners have reached the quarterfinals of the League Cup. They already knocked out West Bromwich (6:0), AFC Wimbledon (3:0), and Leeds United (2:0), and next week will go against Sunderland.
Mikel Arteta's charges have been inconsistent in the Premier League. They recorded 9 victories and 2 draws in the 17 rounds, and now are 4th with 29 points to their name. Arsenal are 8 points behind the 3rd Chelsea.
In the previous two rounds, the Red-and-Whites defeated Southampton (3:0) and West Ham (2:0). More is expected from Arsenal's line of attack, that has so far netted only 23 goals.
The Gunners will be without Aubameyang, Leno, and Kolasinac.
Trends
СтавкаGoals in both halves - yes
Goals were scored both halves in 2 of Arsenal's last 4 games.
СтавкаYellow cards: total over 3
This bet played in 2 of the last 4 head-to-head games.
СтавкаCorrect score 1:3
Arsenal won 4 of the last 5 head-to-head games.
СтавкаCorners: total under 9.5
This bet played in 2 of the last 4 games of the guests.
Tip and bets
We think that at the moment Leeds do not have the firepower to defeat Arsenal. Mikel Arteta should be able to find the right words to motivate his charges, who need to gain a foothold in the top-4. Moreover, Leeds have always been a comfortable opponent for the Gunners.
Our prediction - Arsenal to win
Arsenal won 8 out of 10 previous head-to-head games. The last encounter of the two sides was in October in the League Cup match, when Arsenal won by a margin of two goals. We are predicting another confident win for the North Londoners.
Second bet - Arsenal to win by 2 goals
