Madueke starts over Eze as Arsenal name XI to face Leeds

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Arsenal have confirmed their starting lineup for Saturday's Premier League clash with Leeds United at the Emirates, with Mikel Arteta opting for Noni Madueke ahead of Eberechi Eze and handing Kai Havertz a return to the XI following a minor injury.

The Gunners go with Rice and Lewis-Skelly as a double pivot in midfield, with Martin Odegaard operating just ahead of them alongside Madueke, Bukayo Saka and Havertz across the front line. David Raya starts in goal behind a back four of White, Konsa, Gabriel and Calafiori.

It is Arsenal's first Premier League outing since the defeat to Brighton, a result Arteta described as a “lesson” in his pre-match press conference. The return to domestic action also follows an extended break from league football, with the manager keen to see a reaction from his players.

Eze and Gyokeres among the subs

Eze, who was heavily tipped by many to start, instead finds himself among the substitutes alongside Viktor Gyokeres, Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi, Piero Hincapie, Jurrien Timber, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Myles Lewis-Skelly's midfield partner Christian Norgaard — sorry, Charlie Patino is not involved — and youngster Ethan Nwaneri's teammate Max Dowman, plus Marquinhos Guimaraes.

Calafiori's inclusion at left-back appears to have shaped much of the rest of the selection. With the Italian starting, Arteta has turned to Madueke's pace and defensive work rate on the opposite flank rather than Eze, whose game is built more around central, inverted play than tracking back.

Gyokeres, meanwhile, continues to wait for a recall to the starting XI, with Havertz preferred once again through the middle. The Swede has been among the goals on international duty with Sweden, but that form has not yet translated into a Premier League start ahead of Havertz this season.

Leeds team news

Leeds United, newly promoted and managing their own injury list, name Trafford in goal with a back four of Bogle, Gudmundsson, Elvedi and Muharemovic protecting him. Ethan Ampadu and Tanaka sit in midfield, with Stach, Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin asked to provide the attacking threat. Daniel Farke has Joel Piroe alternative Lukas Nmecha, Brenden Aaronson and Sam Byram among the substitutes.

As noted by Arseblog, this fixture marks Arsenal's return to Premier League business after a run of other competitions and international fixtures, and it gives Arteta an early opportunity to respond to the Brighton setback in front of the home support.

Kick-off at the Emirates Stadium is imminent, with Arsenal looking to restore momentum in the league table against a Leeds side aiming to cause an upset on their visit to north London.