Prediction: Leicester vs Arsenal

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 13/5

Bookmaker: bet365

The Premier League returns this weekend following another selection of entertaining midweek games in Europe. One encounter that seems to be drawing a lot of attention right now is Leicester City’s meeting with Arsenal, which serves as a reminder of how far both teams have come in the last few years – for better and worse. The Foxes are riding high and look like legitimate contenders for the top four, whereas the ongoing struggles at the Emirates have never been more evident than they are right now.

Leicester

The work that Brendan Rodgers has done at the King Power Stadium needs to be applauded and it really is that simple. He has this squad believing in themselves again, to the point where their momentum is on a whole other level. They’re playing some of the best football in the entire league and if it wasn’t for the overwhelming quality of Liverpool and Manchester City, they’d be in the hunt for the title. As it stands, though, finishing in one of the European places should be viewed as a minimum requirement.

Team News

Matty James is the only injury concern for Leicester who otherwise have a clean bill of health heading into this one as Rodgers prepares to name a relatively unchanged starting XI.

Arsenal

The future of Unai Emery is uncertain right now and even that might be putting it lightly. The Spaniard finds himself in a really tricky spot and while some of the issues at the club have been there since he arrived, the tactical decisions made by the manager always need to be called into question. There’s just no real fight or drive anymore, and they seem to panic so much when they take the lead in games. The quality is there, but it doesn’t mean anything if you don’t learn how to unleash it.

Team News

Ceballos could be a doubt after being forced off against Vitoria, with questions still being asked of Granit Xhaka as the midfielder’s future at the club continues to be called into question.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in April, Leicester beat Arsenal 3-0.
• Leicester have won five and lost one of their last six games.
• Arsenal have won one, drawn four and lost one of their last six games.
• Leicester have scored 22 goals and conceded four in their last six games.
• Arsenal have scored 12 goals and conceded 12 in their last six games.

Conclusion

Arsenal are in desperation mode at this stage of the campaign and even that may be an understatement. It just feels like they aren’t really clicking as a unit, and in many ways, us predicting the draw is probably being kind on the Gunners. Leicester have a lethal attacking style that is going to catch out most teams in the Premier League – Arsenal included. We think someone will pop up with a moment of magic to really save them from themselves, which Leicester will probably view as two points dropped.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 13/5

Bookmaker: bet365