Leicester v Arsenal: Premier League preview, line-ups and predictions

Alexis Sanchez celebrates his goal in last season’s corresponding fixture

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By Roland Kesler Friday, August 19th, 2016 10:08

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Leicester City v Arsenal: Premier League preview

For the first time in Premier League history, the Champions and runners-up both lost on the opening weekend. Leicester suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at new boys Hull City while Arsenal were downed at home 4-3 by a devastating Liverpool side. Should Arsenal fail to win on Saturday, they run the risk of already being left behind by their rivals.
Arsenal, however, will take confidence in the fact that they were the only side to do the double over Leicester City last season.
Leicester City’s star man Riyad Mahrez signed a new long-term deal with the champions earlier this week, dealing another blow to Arsenal, who had been linked with a move for the Algerian.

The Gunners had already been rejected by Mahrez’s teammate Jamie Vardy earlier in the window and the duo will no doubt be eager to show Arsene Wenger what he’s missing out on.
Wenger seems no closer than he was a week ago to bringing in a forward or a defender, despite the club’s injury crisis. A deal for Valencia’s Shkodran Mustafi seems to have stalled, despite the Arsenal manager claiming he’s prepared to spend big if required.

Team News

Arsenal’s defensive woes could be boosted by the return of Laurent Koscielny, although Arsene Wenger seems reluctant to rush him back after his Euro 2016 campaign with France. Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista are, of course, out with long-term injuries.
Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud could also return to the squad, although it’s unclear whether either will be ready to start from the off.

Alex Iwobi and Aaron Ramsey both suffered injuries in last weekend’s defeat, which should see Santi Cazorla and Alex Chamberlain come into the side. The pair did well coming off the bench against Liverpool. Joel Campbell, who was left out of the squad, is likely to return to the bench.
By comparison, Claudio Ranieri has a fully fit side to choose from, with Robert Huth back from his one-match suspension.
Demarai Gray and Marc Albrighton will battle it out for the left wing spot, while Nampalys Mendy is expected to make his first start for the club, replacing Andy King in midfield.

Leicester City predicted line up

Vardy and Mahrez will be looking to show Arsenal what they’re missing

Arsenal predicted line up

There are big question marks over Koscielny, Ozil and Giroud

101 Great Goals Prediction

Leicester 1-1 Arsenal