Arsenal play host to Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday as they look to register back-to-back wins to kick off the new season.
After narrowly missing out on the Champions League spots last season, the Gunners strengthened in the summer and got their campaign off to the perfect start with a gritty 2-0 win at Crystal Palace last weekend.
Mikel Arteta’s side managed an impressive 41 points from 19 home games last season, a tally that was only bettered by Manchester City and Liverpool.
The north London club have won three straight home games in the Premier League dating back to last season, and have edged the Foxes in each of their last three meetings.
Brendan Rodgers’ side blew a two-goal advantage against Brentford in their league opener and will be hoping to bounce back at the Emirates.
🚨 MATCHDAY!
🕒 3pm (UK)
🆚 Leicester City
🏟 Emirates Stadium#ARSLEI— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 13, 2022
The last time these two sides met, Arsenal cruised to a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Thomas Partey and Alexandre Lacazette.
Arsenal team news
Arsenal will be boosted by the return of dynamic midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, but new signing Fabio Vieira remains an injury doubt, although he has returned to training.
Takehiro Tomiyasu recently played for the U21 side, but is unlikely to be risked, given his injury record.
Kieran Tierney is slowly getting back to full fitness and is in contention to start. Reiss Nelson will miss the game after suffering a muscular injury in training.
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Leicester City (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Aaron Ramsdale was instrumental in Arsenal’s 2-0 win against Palace on opening day as he pulled off a string of crucial saves. The Englishman is quickly developing into one of the finest keepers in the Premier League.
Defenders
With Tomiyasu still not fully fit, Ben White should retain his spot at right-back. White produced an impressive performance against Palace, managing to keep tabs on the dangerous Wilfried Zaha for most of the game.
Gabriel and William Saliba will continue their partnership in central defence. Saliba hit the ground running and was named Man of the Match on his Premier League debut after a commanding display against Palace.
Tierney is pushing for a start at left-back, but Arteta is likely to stick with Oleksandr Zinchenko, who also had a memorable debut. The Ukrainian provided the assist for Arsenal’s opener and was a constant threat on the left.
Midfielders
Granit Xhaka will partner Thomas Partey in the centre of the park. Since Mikel Arteta’s arrival, only Bukayo Saka has played more minutes for the Gunners than Xhaka.
Martin Odegaard did not have a great start to his tenure as permanent Arsenal captain as he drifted in and out of the game against Palace. He will be hoping to make more of an impact against the Foxes on Saturday.
Gabriel Martinelli scored Arsenal’s first goal of the new season and he will keep his place on the left flank. Bukayo Saka will start on the right. Both players are quick and direct and will keep the Leicester defence on its toes.
Attackers
Gabriel Jesus will make his Emirates debut against the Foxes. The Brazilian had a blistering pre-season campaign, but failed to find the net on his Arsenal bow. Jesus has a 100% record against Leicester, having won each of his nine matches against the Foxes during his time with Manchester City.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup vs Leicester City
