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PREVIEW: Leicester v Arsenal, Team News, Starting XI + Prediction

By on August 31, 2014

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Arsenal face Leicester City at the King Power Stadium this afternoon looking to end a tough week with a win.

It’s been a gruelling few days for the players as we had to battle back to secure a 2-2 draw away at Everton last Saturday having been two-down with just 10 minutes to play, and we then had to grind out a 1-0 win over Besiktas on Wednesday with just 10 men for the final 20 minutes.

Both results were hugely important for our season and the players have shown the right spirit and determination we’re going to need to be successful this season, but I just hope the games haven’t taken too much out of the players for today’s clash.

Leicester are a fit and energetic side and I don’t expect them to just sit back and let us play today. They will press us all over the pitch so we need to be match sharp or points could be dropped.

Team News

Mikel Arteta trained on Saturday but isn’t expected to be in the squad as he’s still not 100% fit following his ankle injury.

Kieran Gibbs is also still nursing his hamstring strain so Nacho Monreal will continue at left-back, while Aaron Ramsey is back from his European ban.

The Welshman’s return poses an interesting problem for Arsene Wenger as he’ll have to drop someone to make room for Rambo. Despite his impressive display on Wednesday, I think we might see Jack Wilshere given a rest.

Jack gave a lot in midweek and the balance of the team is better when we don’t have both Ramsey and Wilshere in the side as this would allow Mesut Ozil to return to his central position with Santi Cazorla out wide. The Ox needs to retain his place as we need his pace down the flank.

Obviously Olivier Giroud is out so Alexis Sanchez is expected to start up front again. I liked him up top against Besiktas and he showed he’s got the work-rate and strength to play the lone strikers role.

Starting XI

Prediction

Leicester are a useful side but as long as we don’t suffer from a European hangover, we should be able to secure the three points today. Arsenal to win 2-0. COYG!!!

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