The Premier League is back in action as Arsenal welcome Leicester City to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta’s men will be looking to continue their momentum in the league after a tense 2-2 draw against Manchester City in their previous league encounter. They are currently placed fourth in the points table, two points adrift of leaders City.
They are coming to this game after a dominant 5-1 victory over EFL Cup opponents Bolton Wanderers the previous day. Several Academy stars ran the show, with Ethan Nwaneri making headlines for scoring a brace.
Meanwhile, Leicester are struggling to deal with the rigours of the top flight after getting promoted from the Championship this year.
They lie at the 15th spot in the points table and recently drew their league game vs. Everton. The Foxes have gained little confidence after defeating Walsall on penalties in the EFL Cup third round.
Historically, the Gunners have won 72 out of 150 matches played between the two sides. Arteta’s men have won their last five PL encounters vs. Leicester. The Foxes last won an away game against the North London outfit in 2020 by a 1-0 margin.
We believe that Arsenal have a better team on paper, and they must secure all three points.
Here is how Arsenal could lineup against Leicester City
Defence
David Raya; Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori
Arteta gave academy goalkeeper Jack Porter a chance to showcase his talent against Bolton. Raya will now take over as an obvious starter for the next game.
Timber is expected to start on the right side of the defence alongside centre-back pair William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. Both defenders were rock solid vs Man City and they won’t give the Leicester attackers a chance to sneak through.
🇧🇷 Gabriel has now scored Premier League goals away at:
🏟️ Stamford Bridge ⚽️
🏟️ Anfield ⚽️
🏟️ Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ⚽️
🏟️ Etihad ⚽️Clutch 😤 pic.twitter.com/fKfSBqV9VR
— LiveScore (@livescore) September 22, 2024
The manager has a reason to choose Calafiori in the left-back spot after he scored a stunner in the last league game and also put up a mature performance in the clash with the Trotters.
Midfield
Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz
Partey was at the end of some strong tackles from City attackers. However, he faced the challenge pretty well and is expected to keep his place in the main team. They will need Rice to win their midfield battles, and he might play in a more advanced role.
Havertz will replace Martin Odegaard, who is still injured and will not return at least before the October international break. The German scored another goal against Bolton, his third in all competitions this season.
Football boots is off from Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling dance in 8in, Kai Havertz finish the job. When Arsenal play the kids pic.twitter.com/rlETLd7YRw
— True Living SnR (@MrBossMan90) September 25, 2024
Attack
Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli
Saka ran rampant yesterday with his quick attacking moves, catching the opposition defenders off guard. Although his name didn’t come on the scoresheet, he was a menace upfront. We need a similar performance from the 23-year-old this weekend.
MUST READ: Why Leandro Trossard isn’t banned for Arsenal’s game vs Leicester City
Trossard has served his one-game ban after being sent off in the last league match. He will return to action in a false nine position.
Meanwhile, Brazilian left-winger Martinelli needs to end his goal-scoring drought that has now stretched to seven games in all competitions. Sterling might get minutes off the bench after scoring his first goal for the North London outfit against Bolton.
Arsenal Predicted lineup vs Leicester City
David Raya, Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli.
