Arsenal FC take on Leicester City FC on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium as the Gunners will go to any extent to grab all three points to stay in the top four. Mikel Arteta’s side survived a scare to overcome Watford 3-2 last time out, while the Foxes arrive having claimed a 2-0 advantage in the first leg of their Europa Conference League last-16 tie with Rennes.
Arsenal have won eight of their past ten games in the Premier League (D1, L1). The 25 points they have accrued during that period is the joint-most in the division, alongside Manchester City. The Gunners could become the first team to win five consecutive Premier League matches by a one-goal margin since Birmingham City in November and December 2009.
Leicester have won successive league matches for just the second time this season, keeping consecutive clean sheets for the first time in 13 months. They haven’t earned three Premier League wins in a row since January 2021. In their most recent away fixture, victory at Burnley ended a run of four straight league defeats, and no win in six, on the road.
Team News:
Arsenal FC: The Gunners will be without right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu as he struggles with a calf issue. It means Cedric Soares is due to start in defence, and Arteta could name the same XI who beat Watford as Arsenal look to make it five Premier League wins in a row. Emile Smith Rowe is expected to be back in the squad this weekend after a bout of COVID-19.
Leicester City FC: Wesley Fofana’s potential comeback against Rennes was ruined by a positive COVID-19 test. The 21-year-old who has just recovered from a devastating fractured fibula will likely be available for the second leg with the French side rather than the clash with the Gunners.
Head-to-Head:
Arsenal won the reverse fixture 2-0 and are looking to complete a league double over Leicester for the first time in six seasons. However, Leicester could win back-to-back away league games against the Gunners for the first time. Last season’s 1-0 victory ended their 23-match winless league run away to Arsenal.
Arsenal wins: 69
Draws: 45
Leicester wins: 33
Possible XI:
Arsenal’s possible starting lineup:
Ramsdale; Cedric, White, Gabriel, Tierney; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Lacazette
Leicester City’s possible starting lineup:
Schmeichel; Justin, Amartey, Soyuncu, Thomas; Ndidi, Tielemans; Albrighton, Maddison, Barnes; Iheanacho
Match Details:
Arsenal vs Leicester is scheduled for a 4.30 pm GMT kick-off on Sunday, March 13, 2022.
Emirates Stadium in London will host the match.
Referee: Anthony Taylor
