Preview: Arsenal v Leicester

Gabriel Martinelli


Preview: Arsenal v Leicester

By Tum Balogun 

Mikel Arteta’s men have energised even the most lethargic Gunners fans by following up their stellar summer shopping spree with a confident opening day performance against Crystal Palace in South London.

With many tipping the side for a top-four spot - and a few even dreaming of a title jaunt - Arsenal gear up for gameweek two at home to Leicester City on Saturday knowing, better than perhaps any other side, how dramatically things can change.

The Foxes on the other hand, travel to the Emirates as a mirror image of the North Londoners. 

A summer window punctuated by speculation of high-profile departures, zero incomings and an opening fixture stalemate against Brentford which felt like a defeat having led by two goals to nil. 

Let’s take a closer look at what to expect to see from tomorrow afternoon’s match-up.


Line-ups

Arteta opted for a 4-3-3 in last weekend’s London derby, awarding starts to summer arrival’s Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus - neither of whom disappointed in promising displays.

But it was returnee and prodigal son William Saliba who grabbed the headlines with a commanding performance for the away side.

Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka started out wide and both contributed to the two goals which separated the sides, the former nodding home from a corner in the first half before Saka’s second-half cross was turned into his own net by Palace captain Marc Guéhi.

With no injury scares and confident performances across the pitch, you’d expect the Arsenal boss to select an unchanged side for their first home game of the season, though with Arteta confirming Kieran Tierney's impressive condition as he comes back from his latest injury setback, the Spaniard could be tempted into a shake-up.

By contrast, Leicester could look very different to the 3-4-1-1 they sported last weekend. 

Two of their weekend starters, Wesley Fofana and James Maddison, could have left the club or at least be omitted from proceedings if successful bids are imminent by the time the Foxes make the trip down south.

Not to mention midfielder Youri Tielemans, whose contract runs out at the end of the season and has continued to draw interest from several top clubs including the Gunners.

Unfortunately for the Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers there appears to be little consolation by way of adequate deputies, highlighted in his decision to make only one change in last weekend’s game - despite the ability to make up to five this term.

Should those key men secure their much wanted departures from the King Power, Rodgers will have no choice but to select the likes of Marc Albrighton, Dennis Praet or Ayoze Pérez. 


Key match-up: William Saliba v Jamie Vardy

The fact Saliba features here is telling of his impact in gameweek one. 

So assured was his performance that Ben White’s move to right back from the centre of defence - a role he was acquired for just last season at an expense of £50 million - was largely unnoted. 

The 21-year-old Frenchman will have a task on his hands with the Leicester forward who has been a thorn in Arsenal’s side for years and thrives when facing top-six opposition. 

Whether the Englishman can get the better of his young opponent will be key to the game's outcome. 


Prediction 

Anything other than a home win would be a shock to the system, considering the overwhelming swell of optimism surrounding the club. 

But Leicester under Rodgers are experienced campaigners and despite the lack of signings, imminent departures and growing additions to the treatment table, you can never fully count them out – especially with Vardy in their ranks.

The frontman will be keen to take his first big six scalp of the season and add to his impressive tally of 11 goals against the Gunners. 

Photo Credit: Getty Images 

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