Arsenal v Leicester – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Arsenal host Leicester at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in the Premier League. The Gunners go into the weekend in fourth place with games in hand over their rivals, with Man Utd and Spurs facing off. Mikel Arteta’s team have won their last two matches against Leicester, both away, but are two home league matches without a win against the Foxes. Brendan Rodgers’ side have won two consecutive league matches but have gone 14 months since winning three on the bounce.

Arsenal Form

The Gunners have had a fine season in the league, even if the cups haven’t been as impressive. After five wins in a row in all competitions, they went five matches without a win with three of those in cup competitions. Since being knocked out of all the cups, Arsenal have won four league matches in a row.

Their last ten matches in the Premier League have brought eight wins. A 1-0 win at Wolves was followed by beating Brentford 2-1 at home in a more comfortable victory than the score-line suggests. They then beat Wolves 2-1 at home with a last-minute, well-deserved winner. Last time out they scored some superb goals and led 3-1 at Watford before conceding late and making it a nervy 3-2 win by the end.

Arsenal Team News

Arsenal have had barely any injuries of late, which is a good thing due to their small squad. Takehiro Tomiyasu remains doubtful at right-back and is not set to return just yet. Cedric Soares will deputise again.

Emile Smith Rowe should return after COVID-19 to boost options in attack. He will probably be amongst the subs with Gabriel Martinelli starting down the left. The rest of the XI picks itself.

Arsenal Motivation

Arsenal will go all out to win this match. Anything less would be seen as a poor result, although games in hand mean it wouldn’t be fatal.

The Gunners will look to control this match with possession. If the scores are level, expect to see Nicolas Pepe and Eddie Nketiah was thrown into the fray after some decent bench impacts in recent weeks.

Leicester Form

The Foxes have had an all-around awful season to date in the league. Recent results have improved though with four wins in a row in all competitions. A 3-1 win at Randers in the Europa League was followed by consecutive league victories, 2-0 at Burnley and a fortunate 1-0 home win vs Leeds.

In the league, the side’s back-to-back wins ended a five-match winless streak which saw losses to Spurs, Liverpool, and Wolves and a home draw with Brighton and West Ham. Their last match saw a 2-0 home win against Rennes in midweek in the Europa League.

Leicester Team News

Leicester continues to suffer injuries galore in defence. Ryan Bertrand, Jonny Evans, Timothy Castagne, and Ricardo Pereira are all out. Wesley Fofana is fit again but COVID-19 hit him. He could be back amongst the subs for this match.

The big question is whether James Justin can start again after playing on Thursday. He should be fit enough to be in the XI. Kelechi Iheanacho scored against Rennes from the bench but could remain there even with Jamie Vardy out injured. Patson Daka will lead the line with Harvey Barnes and the hard-working Marc Albrighton on either side.

Leicester Motivation

The Foxes have been more defensive in recent matches with a solid midfield three and Albrighton as a defensive winger. It has led to three clean sheets in a row albeit needing many fine saves from the ‘keeper against Leeds.

Leicester would take a point here but some fatigue will be at play having had just two rest days since facing Rennes.

Key Stats

Arsenal have won 8 of their last 10 PL matches (L1, D1) and 4 in a row

The Gunners have conceded in their last 3 PL matches

Arsenal have won 2 PL matches in a row against LCFC (both away, winless in 2 at home vs them)

Leicester have kept 3 clean sheets in a row (all comps).

Leicester have won 2 PL matches and 4 in all comps in a row

Leicester have not won 3 PL matches in a row since January 2021

Verdict

Rodgers’ side should put up a strong fight in this match in their renewed form and with a stronger defensive base. Arsenal will probably eventually wear them down and get the goals needed to win, as the fresher side with more at stake.

Best Bet: Arsenal win and both to score at 2.95
Value Bet: Draw HT/Arsenal win FT at 4.25
Multiplier Leg: Arsenal win/draw double chance + under 3.5 goals at 1.83
Correct Score Tip: Arsenal 2-1 Leicester at 9.00

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis