Arsenal vs Leicester Predicted Lineup: A Tough Home Test

Arsenal take on Leicester at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday evening.

We finally return to our north London home after a three week absence induced by a busy fixture schedule and an international break. Arsenal take on Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium off the back of a win against Rapid Vienna, which was perhaps a little too close for comfort.

Falling behind in the second half, David Luiz’s header was followed up by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang a few minutes later to seal victory. Hardly inspiring, though.

With that poor performance on Thursday in mind, I’d expect multiple changes for Sunday’s game. A few lesser names popped up in the starting lineup in Austria but did they really do enough to justify a consecutive start? All shall be explored below.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Bernd Leno (GK) – In spite of a few blunders in Austria on Thursday, I fully expect Leno to retain his spot tomorrow. Leno simply experienced an off-day in the Europa League and deserves to keep his spot. For someone who is usually so consistent, to make a few errors in just ONE game is forgivable.

Hector Bellerìn (RB) – Our first-choice right-back will inevitably regain his spot tomorrow after missing out on a starting birth in Europe. He was superb after coming off the bench and will be looking to add to his four assists in seven games(!) against the Foxes tomorrow. A far better option than Çedric.

David Luiz (CB) – This one is straightforwardly down to a lack of options. Luiz never looks particularly comfortable as a right-sided centre-half and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Mustafi occupy this position next to Gabriel when he reaches full fitness. Nevertheless, after a decent performance on Thursday, it’d be harsh to drop Luiz so he deserves another start tomorrow evening.

Gabriel Magalhaes (CB) – Who else? Gabriel has been brilliant since arriving from Lille in the summer and will be looking to carry on his good form against Leicester.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – After a rather dismal outing in Austria, it’s likely Sead Kolasinac will not retain his spot tomorrow. Instead, the Bosnian will drop down to the bench and first choice left-back Kieran Tierney will return to the starting XI. It’s probably that he’ll continue to play his auxiliary left-back/left-centre-back role.

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (RCM) – Brace yourselves for carnage on Twitter if Thomas Partey doesn’t start tomorrow. The Ghana international delivered a notably authoritative performance against Rapid Vienna and deserves to retain his spot in the starting XI. Dani Ceballos sustaining a minor knock in midweek may help his cause.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – Swiss international team captain Granit Xhaka will look to reclaim his spot in midfield against Leicester. He’ll presumably form something of a double pivot alongside Partey with a third central-midfielder playing a more liberal role.

Bukayo Saka (LCM) – Simply undroppable at the moment. He experienced something of a quiet night in Vienna but away at Man City last week he was far and away our best attacking player. We can’t afford risk leaving out his creative spark.

https://twitter.com/Aubameyang7/status/1319374513990209541

Forwards

Nicolas Pépé (RW) – Pépé needs to make a statement tomorrow. He’s delivered consecutive timid displays despite his opportunities from the start. Due to Willian’s injury issues, he’ll keep his place. However, he simply needs to give more. Please, give it Nico.

Alexandre Lacazette (ST) – The man I expect to start up front tomorrow also needs to give more than he has been offering lately. Lacazette has managed to hit the back of the net three times already this season, but, overall, it’d be fair to say he’s underwhelmed. A strong outing tomorrow would do him the world of good.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (LW) – After grabbing an all-important winner in Austria on Thursday, Aubameyang will be looking to gain some momentum against Leicester tomorrow. Our captain has an impressive record against the Foxes at home, having scored three in our last two games against Leicester at the Emirates. He’ll no doubt start from the left.