Arsenal’s predicted XI vs Leicester: Unchanged from Palace win

The Emirates faithful will be treated to Manchester City lite for the first time on Saturday afternoon as Mikel Arteta’s dynamic young Gunners host Leicester City.

It was an impressive but far from perfect display on opening night at Selhurst Park and Arteta will undoubtedly have some concerns over his side’s cessation of control in the second period. A scintillating start to the contest, however, took many neutrals aback.

The excitement is palpable on the red side of north London as Leicester come to town on Matchday 2. The Foxes were held at home to Brentford in their season opener despite going 2-0 up, and many are projecting Brendan Rodgers’ side to endure a down year in 2022/23.

Arsenal’s predicted XI vs Leicester

Arteta will welcome back several key faces for Saturday’s game with Arsenal injury-free for the first time in seemingly forever. However, it’d be a surprise to see him deviate from last Friday’s starting XI.

Thus, here’s the Arsenal team that could line up against Leicester this weekend.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – It was a mixed performance from Ramsdale last time out. Crucially, though, he kept a clean sheet thanks to two massive saves. He’ll keep his place between the sticks.

Ben White (RB) – White, too, endured a mixed outing at Selhurst Park. On the balance of things, however, he did pretty well against one-v-one menace Wilfried Zaha. Takehiro Tomiyasu is back in training, but White should continue at right-back.

William Saliba (CB) – Sure, he might’ve garnered more social media hype than a Drake album or a dramatic Love Island episode, but this kid is the real deal. Saliba is already a shoo-in.

Gabriel (CB) – White’s continued use at right-back means Gabriel will partner Saliba on Saturday.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – Kieran Tierney is another option for Arteta. Still, I think the Spaniard will continue to utilise Zinchenko as a multi-faceted left-back until there’s an injury in midfield.

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (DM) – Partey quietly went about his business at Selhurst Park. He’s a crucial cog in Arteta’s machine and will start the vast majority of games he’s available for.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – Xhaka started as he meant to go on on opening night as he notched his first booking of the season. The Swiss midfielder will have to have his wits about him against a very good Leicester midfield. My money’s on Xhaka seeing yellow once again.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – Imagine this guy’s output if he didn’t get the yips in front of goal. Odegaard impressed in patches last Friday and will continue to lead the side this weekend. Fabio Vieira is back in contention, however.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – It was a relatively quiet opening night for Saka before he burst into life in transition to seal all three points for the Gunners late on. Like Odegaard, the England international dazzled in stages. He’ll be expected to play a leading role on Saturday with Arsenal poised to dominate possession.

Gabriel Jesus (ST) – Jesus started the campaign in remarkable fashion but much to the dismay of the entire FPL community, he wasn’t able to get on the scoresheet. Will he grab his first Premier League goal for the club in this one? He’s a sure bet to start.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – Martinelli opened Arsenal’s account for the new season with a close-range header after missing a sitter early doors. The Brazilian’s crucial to Arteta’s press and he’ll complete the Gunners’ attack despite the return of Emile Smith Rowe.