After being mauled by Wolves in their midweek tie, the Gunners will be travelling to the King Power Stadium to face Leicester City. Arsenal’s poor run in the recent games has seen them drop crucial points and they have now lost three of their recent five games.
On the contrary, the Foxes have just lost one in their previous five matches. It might look like a bad time to face Leicester but the North London club should believe they can win this. Brendan Rodger’s men will provide a tough test as they still have plenty to play for with their chances to compete in the Europa League next season still open.
After having two disastrous performances in their last two games, Emery’s men will absolutely need to step-up to get a result in this tie. However, a draw in this tie doesn’t help the Emirates club who need three points to keep their top four hopes a float.
It is really hard to tell what is sidetracking Emery’s men. Everybody has had their opinion on what might be happening with some attributing it to fatigue. However the manager can only use what is at his disposal. Arsenal will need every inspiration they can get to beat Leicester at their home ground.
It is time for the team to stick together, get over the past and boldly face what’s ahead. Over the past few weeks shoulders seem to have dropped off but all is not lost yet. It is fair to say that with the help of other results Arsenal still has an outside chance of securing a top four spot. This is not the time for blame games and the fans need to get behind the team as it could be the difference.
Against the Foxes there is no room for error and Emery’s tactics will be crucial in this tie. Using three centre backs then setting up Sead Kolasinac and Ainsley Maitland-Niles as wing backs could galvanize the team. The recent performances and the upcoming Europa league tie against Valencia next Thursday makes it truly awkward to predict the starting lineup.
Nonetheless a strong squad is expected. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – who missed the trip to Wolves – could return to start. The Gunners will need to be clinical in front of the goal and make their chances count. Against a good attacking Leicester side, Arsenal will need to maintain a good shape throughout the game to minimize threat.
