Arsenal

Arsenal

Premier League • England

Predicted Arsenal team to face Leicester City: Arteta to be buoyed by returning stars

Mikel Arteta Arsenal manager

Following a fantastic run of form, the predicted Arsenal team to face Leicester City could see Mikel Arteta buoyed by a pair of returning stars.

Arsenal have been in a terrific vein of form of late. Indeed, they have not lost a Premier League game since the beginning of January. The Gunners’ recent form has seen them win their last four league games. They beat Wolves twice, and split those wins with a 2-1 victory over Brentford.

Following those victories, they won their last game 3-2 against Watford. Arsenal have been without a couple of key players during that time, but one in particular could be set to return, per Arteta’s pre-match press conference.

“[Takehiro] Tomiyasu, we’re still assessing him because we’re taking some time to protect him. Emile [Smith Rowe] looks like he’s going to be available,” he said.

The manager also praised a pair of players for their good relationship on the pitch.

“That is growing [Kieran Tierney and Gabriel Martinelli’s relationship down the left] because the more they experience match situations together that chemistry will click more naturally,” he added.

Last time out – Watford 2-3 Arsenal

Aaron Ramsdale played in goal, as is often the case. The full-back positions were filled by Cedric Soares and Tierney.

Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes started in the heart of the defence; the pair have formed a solid partnership this season.

Arsenal and Leeds target Noussair Mazraoui receives contract offer

Arsenal and Leeds target Noussair Mazraoui receives contract offer

Arsenal and Leeds target Noussair Mazraoui has received a contract offer from Barcelona

The holding-midfield positions were occupied by Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey.

Further up the pitch, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Martinelli started and all three scored.

Alexandre Lacazette occupied the lone striker position.

Predicted Arsenal team against Leicester City

There are likely to be few changes given Arsenal’s good run of form of late.

Ramsdale will start in net, with Cedric and Tierney in the full-back positions. The former may be preferred to Tomiyasu with Arteta unwilling to rush him back prematurely.

Xhaka and Partey could start in the midfield again.

The in-form trio of Saka, Odegaard and Martinelli could play in behind the striker. Lacazette is likely to lead the attack once again. Smith Rowe will likely make an appearance from the bench and has made a habit of scoring as a substitute this season.

Predicted Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Cedric, White, Gabriel, Tierney; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Lacazette

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