Daniel Farke ready to reveal Leeds United's plan B in tactics litmus test vs Arsenal — Leeds Live 23/8/25

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Leeds United will be required to divert from their preferred methodology more greatly against one of the title challengers

Leeds United face their first big-hitter of the season in Arsenal for their first away game and Daniel Farke’s tactical flexibility will be tested.

The manager has outlined how he will need to adapt his approach when facing one of the top Premier League teams and Saturday's test will require him to do this. Farke's newly-preferred 4-3-3 formation will likely be in operation but the Whites will need to be more reserved than they were at home to Everton.

In fact, an adjusted approach might need to be taken in most away games given United will be the underdogs, albeit Farke has outlined that he will still try to retain last season’s policy of being positive. However, Leeds have meanwhile suffered a significant blow to preparations.

Ampadu absence

Ethan Ampadu was arguably the man of the match against Everton but a clattering tackle left him writhing around in pain on the turf in the second half. He somehow managed to play on but was taken off around 10 minutes or so later.

The captain is made of sturdy stuff but scans have shown damage to his knee, meaning he will not be seen again until after the first international break. The period before then comprises three games, including the trip to Arsenal.

Farke cited all midfielders bar Brenden Aaronson as alternatives in the defensive midfield role, including Ao Tanaka, and also gave special mention to Ilia Gruev: “He replaced Ethan really good in the last 20 minutes of the last game, pretty impressive pre-season anyway.”

Ampadu, though, will be a big loss both in terms of stability and in leadership, something Farke said there was no point in ‘sugarcoating’.

Potential debuts

New signing Noah Okafor could be in line for his debut against Arsenal, having already kept up ample fitness with former club AC Milan. The £18million signing faced Leeds in pre-season and featured in the club’s opening cup match of the regular campaign on Sunday.

However, it seems as though Dominic Calvert-Lewin is still a doubt with Farke giving no promises that he will be in contention. The striker has not enjoyed a full pre-season, having been released by Everton earlier in the summer. He missed Monday’s win as a result of this.

The only other new recruit not to make his competitive debut is Sebastiaan Bornauw. The centre-back is seen as bottom of the selection pile and any appearance may only come if Leeds need to see out a result and park the bus with more defenders towards the end.

Centre-back selection

This then raises the point of centre-back selection for the line-up. Farke praised Pascal Struijk for his sturdy display against Everton and many supporters wish to see him stay in the XI against Arsenal. He may well do.

Jaka Bijol was suspended for the Everton game due to a red card picked up in Italy and only played 15 minutes against Milan in Dublin, before which he was a second-half substitute against Villarreal. In short, he’s not had a lot of game time lately.

Struijk is match-warm and will be able to give Victor Gyokeres a good aerial battle upon his home Arsenal debut. Set-pieces will also be important too, and we all know how often the flying Dutchman gets a header on goal.

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