Former England international Michael Owen is predicting Arsenal will edge a tight contest when they take on Leeds this evening.

The Gunners succumbed to a disappointing 3-0 home defeat to Aston Villa in their last game before the international break but Owen thinks manager Mikel Arteta will look to play on the counter-attack at Elland Road, which will allow them to exploit their opponent’s defensive weaknesses:

“I find Leeds are exceptionally good against teams that fancy themselves to play a bit. When you come at Leeds, it plays into their hands as they have loads of energy to smother you and win key battles all over the pitch. They create lots of chances, but equally concede a lot as well. I think this could play into Mikel Arteta’s hands. If he is prepared to concede a bit of ground and soak up some Leeds pressure, I fancy the Gunners to take full advantage on the break.”

Owen has gone for a 2-1 win for the away side, which looks like a sensible prediction. Arteta will be hoping to see a reaction from his players following the Villa loss, and they have shown they are capable of securing big wins away from home already this season, after their result at Old Trafford.

Leeds will undoubtedly cause them problems but, as Owen mentions, the Whites are just as a liable to concede, having lost their last two matches 4-1, so if the Gunners keep it tight, they have a good chance of getting a result.