Patrick Bamford reveals Alioski is looking forward to facing Nicolas Pepe when Leeds take on Arsenal on Sunday

Speaking in an interview ahead of Sunday's Premier League trip to the Emirates to face Arsenal, Leeds United forward Patrick Bamford revealed that his teammate Ezgjan Alioski “can’t wait” to square off with Gunners winger Nicolas Pepe again.

In a heated reverse fixture back in November, Arsenal held the Whites to a goalless draw, but the game lived up to expectations as both sides went all out for the three points.

It was also a memorable one for Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe, who was sent off in the second half for violent conduct.

Following consultation with the Video Assistant Referee, the Ivorian international was shown red after headbutting Leeds United full-back Alioski.

Alioski later came under heavy stick from the Arsenal faithful, who claimed the 28-year-old went to the ground too easily.

Speaking on a potential individual battle between Alioski and Nicolas Pepe, Leeds striker Patrick Bamford revealed that the Macedonian defender is looking forward to the showdown.

On the official Leeds United podcast, Bamford said: “Do you know what he said in the changing room the other day?

“He said: 'I can't wait for Sunday'. I was like 'why?'. He was like 'I'm playing against my mate Pepe again.' I was like 'no way'.”

Arsenal and Leeds United square off at the Emirates

Arsenal welcome Leeds United to the Emirates on Sunday in what promises to be an entertaining showdown, as both clubs are separated by just one point in mid-table.

Mikel Arteta’s side are currently 11th in the league table with 31 points from 23 games, while Marcelo Bielsa’s men are 10th with 32 points and one game in hand.

Arsenal have not tasted victory in their last three outings and the FA Cup winners will be aiming to end such a disappointing spell.

The visitors, meanwhile, have picked up wins in three of their last four Premier League games and head coach Marcelo Bielsa will hope his side can continue their impressive performances.

About the author

Joshua is a European and international football writer at Sportskeeda who covers news and match previews. He fell in love with the sport watching Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o win titles at club and international level, and his passion for the sport led him to become a professional football writer. He has an overall professional experience of 5 years.

Joshua supports Chelsea at club level, having witnessed a number of African stars break records with the club. Drogba’s equalizing header and match-winning shootout penalty for Chelsea against Bayern Munich in the 2012 UEFA Champions League final left a last impact on him. His favorite player is Eden Hazard and favorite manager is Jose Mourinho, who gave him the most joyous days as a Blues supporter. He believes that Cristiano Ronaldo is unlucky to be born in Messi’s era and favors the Argentine in the G.O.A.T. debate.

Joshua also follows the Portuguese Primeira Liga and the Nigeria Professional Football League and loves to play football during his free time. Having attained a B.Sc. in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Ibadan, he employs his problem-solving skills in crafting articles while doing extensive research to ensure each article is well thought out and crafted.

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Edited by Prem Deshpande

Patrick Bamford reveals defender Alioski looks forward to facing Nicolas Pepe when Leeds take on Arsenal on Sunday

Arsenal and Leeds United square off at the Emirates