Leeds v Arsenal - early team news

By Andy Baggott
October 30 2003

Leeds have injury problems ahead of Saturdays visit of Arsenal. Skipper Dominin Matteo is the major doubt after missing Tuesdays cup game with a thigh strain.

Mark Viduka (back) and Solomen Olembe (dead leg), are both struggling, but are expected to take their place in the starting 11. Olembe in particular has been showing fine form in the last few games, and boss Peter Reid will be hoping that the Cameroonian is available. Leeds also welcome back David Batty and Jermaine Pennant, who missed the midweek game for different reasons. Pennant will be desperate to show Gunners boss Arsene Wenger that he deserves a place in the Arsenal side, and he will have an interesting battle against Ashley Cole. The good news for Leeds is that Patrick Viera is out, and there could be further problems for the Gunners. Players including Cole, Parlour, Keown and Lauren face an FA charge, which is announced today, and could face an immediate suspension. An appeal would allow them to play though, so it is unlikely that all will be missing. Arseanl need the points to continue their push for the title, whilst we are desperate to pull away from the relegation battle. A win could see us climb as high as 13th, a loss could see us bottom of the pile should Leicester win on Sunday.

Further details as we have them...

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