Arsenal welcome Leeds United to the Emirates Stadium this Tuesday with both clubs looking for what would be a surprisingly rare victory in the EFL Cup, given the history of success both these sides have in the English game. The Gunners lifted the trophy in 1987 and 1993 and for Leeds it has been over 50 years since they beat the Gunners at Wembley in the 1968 final.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side might feel that it’s wise to prioritize the Premier League after their worst start to a top flight season in 40 years, one that has left them with seven points to their name after nine games. For Arsenal this match offers a chance to build on the momentum of Friday’s outstanding win over Aston Villa. As such it might prompt Mikel Arteta to name a rather strong XI for a competition his side traditionally use to blood youngsters. Here’s how you can watch the match and what you need to know:
Viewing information
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 26 | Time: 2:45 p.m. ET
Location: Emirates Stadium — London
TV and live stream: ESPN+
Odds: Arsenal -167; Draw +300; Leeds +450 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Storylines
Arsenal: The EFL Cup is a rather unusual competition for Arsenal this season. With no European football for the first time in a generation Arteta has shown an inclination to name strong sides against lower league opposition, naming the likes of Thomas Partey and Alexandre Lacazette in the team that beat League One AFC Wimbledon. On this occasion Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang come back into contention as he looks to build on his fine form of late.
“I wouldn’t go to the goals, it is what Auba is transmitting on the pitch,” said Arteta of his captain. “I have never seen Auba transmit what he is doing now. Apart from the goals, the celebration when they put the ball in the net, do you see the way he runs, the purpose he has to press the ball, and when he takes it his movement, his link, how is leading the game – that is when he is changing the rest, not when he is static and then he puts the ball in the net. I prefer this Auba.”
Leeds: Supporters have been crying out to see more of him, could the EFL Cup be the time for Joe Gelhardt to get his first start of the season? The 19 year old won the penalty from which Leeds equalised against Wolverhampton Wanderers in Premier League action and with 17 goals in 24 games Marcelo Bielsa can rest assured that the youngster knows where the goal is.
Prediction
This game probably carries more weight for Arsenal, who have also had success against Leeds at the Emirates under Arteta. PICK: Arsenal 1 Leeds 0