Saturday Premier League Preview – Leicester vs Arsenal

August 20, 2016 17:30pm – King Power Stadium

Recent Form in all competitions

Leicester City: LLLLW

Arsenal: LWWWW

The reigning Premier League champions and last year’s runners-up will battle it out for supremacy on Saturday evening as Leicester City kick off their home campaign against Arsenal, with both sides looking for their first points of the season.

Leicester City’s title defence got off to the worst possible start when they were defeated 2-1 away to newly promoted Hull City last weekend. Despite that slip up, it is far too early to suggest that the Foxes will struggle to maintain their status as a force to be reckoned with in this year’s Premier League campaign.

They now have the perfect chance to get their wheels back on track when they face last season’s second place side on home soil in Saturday’s late kick-off game. Boss Claudio Ranieri should have a full-strength squad to choose from for the visit of the Gunners.

Opponents Arsenal also drew a blank in their maiden game, losing 3-4 at home to a rampant Liverpool side. The Gunners have once again been plagued by injury issues, particularly in the defensive area, and will face a similar problem this weekend. The only positive could be the return of Laurent Koscielny who, despite not being fully fit following his post-Euro 2016 rest period, may be called upon to provide some experience in the back line.

Arsenal’s current injury list includes key players Aaron Ramsey, Alex Iwobi, Gabriel Paulista, Per Mertesacker, Danny Welbeck and Carl Jenkinson.

Prediction

With both sides going in search of their first points of the season, this should be a fascinating game. Leicester wasted their chances against Hull and will looking improve in that area while also tightening up at the back. Arsenal have some defensive issues of their own but will need to commit players forward if they are to come away with all three points. With plenty hanging in the balance even at this early stage, the drawn looks like a decent bet for this game.

You can back the Draw at 5/2 with Betfair.

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