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Oscar Haley

Premier League pundits predict tough afternoon for Leeds United against Arsenal

Premier League pundits Chris Sutton, Paul Merson and Lewis Jones believe Leeds United are headed for defeat on Sunday when they take on Arsenal at Elland Road.

The Whites have not won a game since the end of August when they beat Chelsea 3-0 and have seen their strong start to the season fade away.

Arsenal head into the contest top of the table after beating Liverpool last weekend. Mikel Arteta's side have been in impressive form of late and have lost just once in the Premier League so far this season.

READ MORE: Arsenal turn attention to Leeds United after 'complicated' Europa League win

And writing in their Premier League prediction columns, messers Sutton, Merson and Jones all believe Leeds will not have enough to match Arsenal when they host the Gunners on Sunday afternoon.

Chris Sutton

Former Blackburn Rovers and Celtic forward Chris Sutton feels Leeds aggressive pressing could be their downfall against Arsenal, who could pick them off with runs in behind if they are not careful.

"As I said earlier, Leeds were superb for the first 45 minutes against Crystal Palace but they could not sustain it," writes Sutton in his BBC Sport predictions column.

"This game might follow the same pattern, with Leeds putting so much into it early on, then being picked off later. However it plays out, I'm expecting Arsenal to win because they are absolutely buzzing at the moment.

"That confidence will be there because of their performance to beat Liverpool - I wasn't too far off with my 4-1 prediction either - and they have got plenty of goals in their front three.

"If Leeds are as aggressive as I think they will be, there will be plenty of space for Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka to run in behind, and plenty of chances for Gabriel Jesus too.

Prediction: Leeds United 1-3 Arsenal

Paul Merson

Ex-Arsenal forward Paul Merson reckons the Gunners could 'rip Leeds to shreds' when the two sides face off on Sunday afternoon.

"Arsenal haven't carried one player this season, and every player has been playing well every week," writes Merson in his Sportskeeda predictions column.

"Arsenal are a team where everyone is playing to best of his ability. For now, a top-four finish is the target, but if they know what they're doing, who knows? What's the point of playing in the Premier League if you can't dream?

"You've got to give credit where it's due - Arsenal have played very well this season. Over the years, you just wouldn't know if they'd win this match. I'd be shocked if they don't win this weekend, and I haven't had that feeling in several years. Leeds will jump out of the blocks at a hundred miles an hour, but Arsenal will eventually take over and rip them to shreds."

Prediction: Leeds United 0-3 Arsenal

Lewis Jones

While he does predict it will be a fun game, Sky Sports tipster Lewis Jones also believes Leeds will lose to Arsenal at Elland Road.

"We haven't got much evidence to work with but Leeds' games against the top-six at Elland Road should be fun under Jesse Marsch," writes Jones.

"His team are playing with a clear identity now. It's a brave style of football that leaves them woefully exposed if smart and intricate teams break their press but that's what you get with risk-reward type of football.

"Arsenal are without question a team capable of exploiting that, yet, as Leeds showed in their 3-0 win against Chelsea earlier this season, their attacking patterns do lead to big chances being created. So, a whacky game could be on the cards and those looking to back the over total goals line should fill their boots.

"Both teams to score and over 3.5 goals at 2/1 with Sky Bet should give you a good run."

Prediction: Leeds United 2-4 Arsenal

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