Arsenal will head to the King Power Stadium full of confidence after extending their unbeaten run to eight games, so let’s take a look at the predicted lineup.
The midweek victory over Leeds was important as it helped push the Gunners into the quarterfinals of the EFL Cup, giving them a chance to win a trophy. Facing the Foxes will be a different kind of challenge given the wealth of talent they possess across the pitch. There are likely to be several changes to the team that played in midweek.
Arteta will stick to the 4-2-3-1 formation that has been used frequently and Aaron Ramsdale will be back in goal. Cedric will make way for Takehiro Tomiyasu, and the Japanese defender will start as the right-back.
On the other flank, Kieran Tierney is still doubtful for Saturday’s clash so, it could be Nuno Tavares once again as the left-back. Ben White had to be substituted against Leeds but the Englishman is expected to be fit for Leicester. If he does make it to the squad, he would be partnered with the Brazilian Gabriel.
In the centre of midfield, it is likely to be the same pair that started in the win over Aston Villa last week. Thomas Partey and Albert Sambi Lokonga put on a strong performance and will have to be at their best to keep the Foxes quiet. If they can do that, it automatically increases the north Londoners’ chances of winning.
Though Martin Odegaard missed the midweek game, he was back in training and should start as the attacking midfielder. Along with him will be young stars Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, on the right and left-wing respectively. The latter in particular has been impressive in the last few games and his driving runs from midfield are needed to threaten the hosts’ defence.
Leading the line is going to be captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who looks like a changed player. There is a lot more energy to his game and that has been evident on the pitch. With the forward there to provide the cutting edge, Arsenal will be confident of their chances. If the team from north London can be clinical, they could return with the three points.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Leicester City (4-2-3-1):
Aaron Ramsdale, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Gabriel, Nuno Tavares, Thomas Partey, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Read More: Arsenal 2-0 Leeds United: Four talking points from the game
