Arsenal will be returning to Premier League action today against a likely Jamie Vardy-less Leicester City at the Emirate Stadium. Here is the preview for the match.
Both teams lost their last encounters in the league against Man City and Aston Villa respectively but did well in Europe by getting wins.
Leicester on their part, did well in the absence of their talisman, dispatching Ukrainian club, Zorya 3-0 with goals coming from James Madison, Harvey Barnes, and Kelechi Iheanacho, while David Luiz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang came to Arsenal’s rescue after coming from behind to a 2-1 win at Rapid Viena.
The difference in the Leicester side has always been Madison and Vardy. With the absence of their top goal scorer, will Madison alone be able to do the damage as Vardy remains a doubt?
If the Englishman succeeds in shaking off his injury, Arsenal might be having a game in their hands.
Arsenal on the other hand could have Willian (Calf) and Dani Ceballos (ankle) back in the line up after being out injured.
Arsenal vs Leicester City Preview: Likely starting IX
Arsenal made six changes in its line up in Austria, leaving Hector Bellerin, Granit Xhaka, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, on the bench before their introduction.
Meanwhile Rob Holding (hamstring), Pablo Mari (ankle), Calum Chambers and Gabriel Martinelli (both knee) are still out injured.
For Leicester, Brendan Rodgers is hoping to see Vardy return to action after being out of the last two games with a calf problem.
Others on the treatment table include Caglar Soyuncu, Youri Tielemans (both groin), Daniel Amartey (thigh), Ricardo Pereira (Achilles), and Wilfred Ndidi.
Arsenal’s new signing, Thomas Partey is expected to continue from where he stopped and Mohammed Elneny might be relegation to the bench for Xhaka. If Ceballos passes the fitness test, he might form a three midfield partnership with the duo.
The Ghana international impressed in the 2-1 Europa League win against Rapid Vienna, winning the Man of the Match award on his first start.
Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, who recently scored in his last five games is expected to lead the team out, partnering Alexandre Lacazetter in front. The skipper will now have the chance to end his goal drought in four Premier League games.
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Leno; Bellerin, Luiz, Gabriel, Tierney; Ceballos, Thomas, Saka; Willian, Lacazette, Aubameyang
Leicester City possible starting lineup:
Schmeichel; Castagne, Fofana, Evans, Justin; Mendy; Perez, Praet, Maddison, Barnes; Vardy
Arsenal hosts Leicester: Stats
It is 20 years since Leicester last operated in what is now known as the Europa League.
Arsenal is unbeaten in their last 27 home meetings with Leicester in all competitions (W20 D7), since a 0-2 loss in September 1973.
Leicester has played more Premier League away games against Arsenal without ever winning than they have vs any other opponent in the competition (14 – D2 L12).
Leicester’s 1-1 draw at the Emirates last season ended a run of 12 straight away league losses against the Gunners.
Arsenal is unbeaten in their last 11 Premier League home games (W9 D2), after losing their final three at the Emirates in 2019.
Arsenal hasn’t lost any of their last 32 Premier League home games in the month of October (W26 D6) since a 1-2 loss against Blackburn in 2002. Only Manchester United (42 in November) and Chelsea (33 in March) are on longer current unbeaten home runs in a specific month in the competition.
Leicester have lost their last two Premier League games, last losing three in a row in February 2019 under Claude Puel. However, the Foxes have won their last two league games on the road by an aggregate score of 8-2.
