Predicted Arsenal XI vs Leicester: Arteta takes Partey risk

Mikel Arteta has a couple of big decisions to make as his Arsenal side visit the King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon. 

It’s been a wonderful week for the club, one that began at the close of last Saturday’s clash at Villa Park. The bonkers encounter ended in victory for the Gunners after a comical Emi Martinez own goal, and Man City’s draw at Nottingham Forest means Arsenal can extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to five points before the Citizens take on Bournemouth.

Arteta has been reluctant to alter his starting XI this season, and that pattern is set to continue this weekend. However, we could see one or two familiar faces reintroduced to the fold.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Leicester

Here’s the starting XI Arteta could pick for Saturday’s game.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – I would love a Rambo clean sheet on Saturday.

Ben White (RB) – It’s been a rather innocuous spell for White, but he supported Bukayo Saka well last weekend at Villa Park. Hopefully, that was a sign of a return to form.

William Saliba (CB) – Shoo-in.

Gabriel (CB) – Shoo-in.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – His first Gunners goal was a timely one, and he was excellent in the second half last weekend. Kieran Tierney continues to wait in the wings.

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (DM) – Partey hasn’t trained much in the build-up to this one and Jorginho has performed well in his absence, but I think Arteta gambles with his talismanic midfielder at the King Power. I fear for Jorginho against a Foxes side that excel in transition – even if Arteta’s system is built to mitigate such a threat.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – Xhaka’s form is a concern, but I don’t envisage Fabio Vieira taking his place in the XI. Emile Smith Rowe could, however, once he returns to full fitness.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – Shocking miss aside, the skipper turned up when it mattered most at Villa Park.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – A universal smile was etched on the collective face of the Gooners fanbase when news of his contract extension broke on Thursday. The deal’s not quite done yet, but supporters are already counting down the days to the announcement video.

Eddie Nketiah (ST) – We continue to receive positive updates about Gabriel Jesus’ potential return, but the Brazilian is still a couple of weeks away yet. Eddie will continue to leave the line.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – Back on the scoresheet last time out, Martinelli is expected to return to the XI and replace Leandro Trossard down the left. Perhaps his mini-rest will reignite his campaign.