An inconsistent Leicester City will host Arsenal at the King Power, with Mikel Arteta’s men aiming to go five points clear at the top of the table.
Brendan Rodgers will look for a response from Leicester City against Arsenal after their disastrous loss to Manchester United last weekend. Despite starting the game on the front foot, an inspired performance from David de Gea prevented the Foxes from opening the scoring.
Erik ten Hag’s half-time tweaks allowed Manchester United to seize control. They then produced a top-class attacking performance to secure three points. Leicester came into that clash on the back of a three-game winning run, and now Rodgers will aim to begin another similar run.
Rodgers will take inspiration from their previous clash at this ground against a north London opposition. Leicester dismantled Tottenham recently, securing a 4-1 victory, and will hope Arsenal suffer a similar fate. On their position, the Foxes may have a bit of momentum but only remain four points clear of the relegation zone.
Visiting side Arsenal will come to the King Power high on confidence after their stunning victory away to Aston Villa. Jorginho forced Emi Martinez into a late own goal, while Gabriel Martinelli also scored into an empty net before the final whistle.
Bench Cam is here 🙌
Catch all the touchline reactions from our dramatic victory over Aston Villa ✊
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 20, 2023
The win took Arsenal back to the summit with a two-point advantage. Manchester City’s draw away to Nottingham Forest ensured the Gunners remained there. Mikel Arteta will aim to go five points clear at the top, albeit temporarily, as Manchester City will only play Bournemouth later on Saturday.
That victory may have let Arsenal arrest the recent slump that saw them go without a win in four games across all competitions. Arteta will hope that was a start of a special run as the Gunners will aim to build momentum heading into the final fifteen games of the season and into a title run-in to keep pace ahead of Manchester City.
Team News & Tactics
Leicester City
Brendan Rodgers will be without at least three first-team stars. James Justin, Ryan Bertrand and Jonny Evans will not participate in the Arsenal clash. Meanwhile, the manager also suggested James Maddison will go through an assessment before the game over a knee concern.
Final run in to #LEIARS 🏃♂️ pic.twitter.com/ZkyZaEiF1x
— Leicester City (@LCFC) February 24, 2023
The attacking midfielder could yet feature in the starting lineup and continue his recent form. Rodgers could also use Youri Tielemans from the start after being on the bench against Manchester United. The Belgian could partner with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in central midfield.
Tete also impressed in the first half against Manchester United, meaning he could retain his place on the right wing. Harvey Barnes will have no threat of losing his spot on the left, with Maddison sitting in between those wingers.
Kelechi Iheanacho will continue to lead the line despite drawing a blank in the last game. Jamie Vardy and Paston Daka are options for the Nigerian, but the duo will settle for a bench role.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Ward; Castagne, Souttar, Faes, Kristiansen; Tielemans, Dewsbury-Hall; Tete, Maddison, Barnes; Iheanacho
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta does not have fresh concerns with his squad for the trip to Leicester City. Bukayo Saka was the main talking point after the Aston Villa clash, after some rough treatment on the pitch, but the winger could start on Saturday.
Only Gabriel Jesus and Mohamed Elneny are certain absentees, although Arteta revealed the Brazilian is not too far away from a return. Arsenal will assess Thomas Partey’s fitness ahead of the game after the Ghanaian midfielder missed the last two Premier League clashes.
💪 Putting in that prep for Leicester
📍 Arsenal Training Centre pic.twitter.com/c1nWbL2RZQ
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 23, 2023
For now, Jorginho could assume his place in central midfield, with Arteta likely to take a cautious approach with Partey. Meanwhile, the manager will retain a back four of Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
With Saka likely to start on the right, Gabriel Martinelli will return to the lineup and retake his place ahead of Leandro Trossard. Eddie Nketiah will continue leading the line for Arsenal, at least until Jesus returns to full fitness.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Jorginho, Xhaka; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli
Key Stats
- Leicester City are without a clean sheet in eight Premier League games.
- Only Southampton (6) have picked up fewer points at home in the Premier League this season than the Foxes (12).
- Leicester City have dropped more points from winning positions than any other team in the Premier League this season (19).
- Arsenal have won their last four matches against Leicester City in all competitions.
- Arsenal have scored at least two goals in their last four matches against Leicester in all competitions.
Player to Watch
Granit Xhaka
Mikel Arteta on whether contract discussions are ongoing with Granit Xhaka:
“Not yet.” 🇨🇭 #afc pic.twitter.com/Yd9kyD0F8w
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) February 24, 2023
The Swiss international has had a terrific season in a new role for Arsenal this term. But his numbers have dropped since the return from the World Cup. The midfielder has been more conservative since the new year. Arteta would like to see more contributions from the star in the final third.
Xhaka’s presence is a significant factor for Arsenal, as he is a crucial player in the middle of the pitch. No wonder there are talks of a new contract for the Swiss star, but he needs more output from his displays. Against Leicester City, the former Arsenal captain has a brilliant opportunity to put that right, something he did earlier in the season.
Prediction
Leicester City 1-3 Arsenal
Leicester City are looking for a confidence-boosting victory, but they will have to deal with the threat of Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s men have the best away record in the Premier League this season, while the Foxes continue to endure a torrid time at the King Power this term.
The Gunners come into this clash on the back of a solid victory over Aston Villa, and they have the pressure to remain alive in the title race. Arteta’s players have shown resilience in their pursuit of greatness and will likely snatch a comfortable win to go five points clear at the top.
