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Preview: Arsenal v Leicester, Team News, Line-Up & Prediction

By on February 13, 2016

per mertesacker arsenal

Arsenal desperately need a win to give our title chances a major boost when we welcome league leaders Leicester to the Emirates on Sunday afternoon.

Last weekend’s 2-0 win over Bournemouth kept us in touch but we remain five points adrift of the Foxes in third after their impressive 3-1 victory over City at the Etihad.

With just 12 games remaining after tomorrow and Leicester’s unbelievable form showing no sign of relenting, I think it’s fair to say this game is a ‘must win’.

Sunday is going to be pivotal in the title race as not only do we face Leicester but second-placed Tottenham take on fourth-placed Man City so it’s imperative we don’t slip up.

We won the reverse fixture 5-2 at the King Power but Leicester are a different side now. Back in September, they were happy to go toe-to-toe with us as they were intent on trying to outscore the opposition.

However, Ranieri has changed tact and they are now the most dangerous counter-attacking team in the league, so we have to be on form at the back tomorrow as they have the potential to rip us apart.

Team News

Some VERY worrying reports have been circulating tonight suggesting that Gabriel has picked up a thigh injury and missed training today.

It remains to be seen how serious the problem is but if he’s ruled out, it will be a major blow as Per Mertesacker will have to start and the likes of Vardy and Mahrez will almost certainly target him with their pace.

Otherwise it should be a very similar squad to the one that faced Bournemouth although Mohamed Elneny should return after missing out last weekend after attending the birth of his child.

Danny Welbeck could make the squad after recovering from a long-term knee injury but Wilshere, Rosicky and Cazorla remain out.

Preferred Line-Up

I’m praying Gabriel is okay as I’ll be having nightmare’s about Mertesacker up against Vardy/Mahrez/Okazaki if he’s ruled out.

Hopefully Arsene sees sense and brings Coquelin back in to the midfield while I’d also go with Walcott up top. Huth and Morgan would much rather play against the likes of Giroud than Theo as Walcott’s pace and movement will cause them plenty of problems.

Prediction

I actually think this game is very difficult to predict as Leicester are set up perfectly to play against us. They’ll sit back, let us have the ball, soak up pressure and then hit us on the break. And we’ve shown in the past we aren’t very good at dealing with counter-attacking sides.

Therefore, the first goal is going to be key and we’ll have to hope that our superior quality with the likes of Ozil and Sanchez can unlock the Leicester defence early on as that will force them to come out. If we can grab the first goal, I fancy us. Conceding first doesn’t bare thinking about….

Arsenal 2-1 Leicester

COYG!!!