Michael Owen predicts result of Arsenal vs Leeds United League Cup clash
Leeds United travel to North London to take on Arsenal in the round of 16 of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, and Michael Owen sees them going out.
The Whites narrowly edged out Fulham in the previous round last month, winning 6-5 on penalties after both sides failed to score in regulation time.
The Gunners will be keen to prove themselves after a shaky start to the season, and Owen has tipped them to secure a 2-1 win over Leeds at the Emirates Stadium.
He wrote while predicting in his BetVictor column: “Arsenal looked in very good form in Friday’s win over Aston Villa. I thought they played with great energy, led by Emile Smith Rowe.
“Arsenal have won the FA Cup under Mikel Arteta, and he’ll fancy another Cup run here. I’m going 2-1 Arsenal.”
Prove him wrong.
Leeds have won just one league game in nine this term, but their chances of shocking Arteta’s side definitely cannot be ruled out.
With both teams expected to field a lot of fringe players, it is an opportunity for the Whites players struggling to break into Marcelo Bielsa’s starting XI to prove their quality.
Admittedly, Arsenal are favourites on paper, and playing in front of their fans should play a significant role, but Leeds have some quality under-23s stars who are hungry to show the head coach what they are capable of.
Some of them are knocking on the first-team door regularly, and getting a win over the Gunners could be career-changing.
Fireworks are expected when both teams lunge for each other’s jugular later tonight, and not many would be surprised if Leeds knock Arsenal out.
They surely have what it takes to, and a victory could spark the squad back to life in the Premier League.
In other Leeds United news, Whites staff have been left thrilled as Bielsa funds behind-the-scenes development at Elland Road.