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Four wins out of eight games in all competitions show that Arsenal are lacking the consistency required to mount a serious title challenge.
Look:
Earlier a start of the season trip to Leicester was seen as one of those fixtures, where three points are there sure to be taking. Not anymore.
Although, Arsenal will start as favourites, but it promises to be a feisty encounter, as the Gunners are up against a team that are unbeaten in the league.
Claudio Ranieri’s side has defied all expectations. Very few had expected them to start in this manner, especially after a tumultuous summer they endured.
The appointment of Ranieri was greeted with skepticism, but after an impressive summer transfer window, where the Foxes had invested smartly, the feel-good-factor has returned at the club who faced relegation scare last season.
Ranieri has introduced a free-flowing, attacking brand of football, which is so refreshing to watch. Currently sat fourth in the table, just three points behind Manchester City, Ranieir’s major impact has been to instil self-belief and character in the team.
Against West Ham in the League Cup, they took the game to the extra time and showed great character to seal the victory right at the death.
Last week, when it seemed they were heading for their first defeat of the season, Jamie Vardy stepped up to equalise 2-2 at the Britannia against Stoke City.
And before that, trailing at home 2-1 to Aston Villa, the Foxes showed great determination and team spirit to score two goals in last 10 minutes to snatch victory from the maw of defeat.
Arsenal on the other hand have yet to hit the ground running, but the best part is the Gunners are still within the touching distance of the two Manchester clubs.
Arsene Wenger’s side suffered a moral damaging 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last weekend. The only solace they can pick up is defender Gabriel Paulista’s red card has been rightly rescinded and retrospective actions been taken on Costa, who gets a three-match ban.
The defeat came after Arsenal’s disappointing 2-1 Champions League defeat to Croatian Champions Dinamo Zagreb.
Arsenal needed a response in the midweek, and they duly delivered. Mathieu Flamini scored twice to give the Gunners a thrilling 2-1 victory over their North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Match: Leicester City vs Arsenal
English Premier League
Date: Saturday, 26th September, 2015
Time: 15:00 BST
Venue: King Power Stadium
Live Stream: Fox Sports
Leicester City Team News
Midfielder Nathan Dyer is doubtful for this tie. The midfielder, who joined on loan from Swansea, didn’t play the last two fixtures with a knee problem and likely to miss out again. Likewise, Matthew James misses through injury once more.
Arsenal Team News
Gabriel’s red card has been withdrawn but he is likely to drop down to the bench, with Per Mertesacker set to return from injury.
Francis Coquelin is a major doubt after he sustained a knee injury in the 2-0 defeat to Chelsea. Flamini, who scored twice against Spurs, should continue in the starting XI.
Jack Wilshere, Tomas Rosicky, and Danny Welbeck are long term absentees.
Possible Leicester Starting XI
It’s amazing that Ranieri keeps sticking with his 4-4-2 formation. While, modern day managers love to experiment with variants of tactics, the 4-4-2 has become somewhat of an out-dated system. But, yes, it is still effective.
Possible Arsenal Starting XI
Flamini’s outstanding performance against Spurs will see him keeping his place in midfield, alongside Cazorla. Mertesacker is likely to return to add stability at the back while Wenger is likely to continue with Walcott as a lone striker.
Key Stats: Leicester City vs Arsenal
1 – Leicester City are the only unbeaten team in the Premier League
5 – The Foxes have won Five of their last Six home games
5 -Arsenal have scored only five goals in last six games
10 – Arsenal are undefeated in their last 10 games against Leicester
Prediction: Leicester 1-1 Arsenal
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