LEEDS UNITED star Ezgjan Alioski has fuelled the fire ahead of Sunday’s rematch with Arsenal and Nicolas Pepe.
The two teams last clashed in November, when the Ivorian was red carded for headbutting Alioski shortly after half-time.
Tempers also flared upon the final whistle of the 0-0 stalemate, when Kieran Tierney had to be restrained from confronting the mischievous Alioski, 29.
And ahead of Sunday’s rematch, the Leeds star isn’t seeking to play things down.
Following the Whites’ comfortable 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on Monday night, match-winner Patrick Bamford gave an insight into Alioski’s mindset.
He told Leeds’ club media: “Do you know what?
“He (Alioski) said in the changing room, I can’t wait for Sunday.
“I was like ‘why?’.
“He said ‘because I’m playing against my mate Pepe again’.”
At the time Gunners boss Mikel Arteta fumed that Pepe, 25, had let down his team-mates.
The Spaniard, 38, told the BBC: “It is unacceptable. Unacceptable. At this level you cannot do it.
“It is a point. I am never happy with a draw but considering the circumstances it is one we take and move on.”
Following his three-match ban, however, Pepe has recovered his place in the team.
The winger has started Arsenal‘s last four Premier League games, scoring against Southampton and Wolves.
The Gunners go into the match 11th, one place and one point behind Leeds in the table.
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