Predictions have been made for Arsenal’s clash with Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Gunners are looking to build on their 14-match unbeaten run in the Premier League, and increase the pressure on Liverpool ahead of their game against Wolves on Sunday.
Arne Slot’s team have been rocked by the late equaliser they conceded in midweek against bitter rivals Everton, in a feisty affair in which Michael Oliver sent Slot and Curtis Jones off after full-time.
The encounter with Leicester provides Mikel Arteta’s men with the opportunity to capitalise on some nerves within the Liverpool ranks.
Arsenal ran out 4-2 winners in the reverse fixture against the Foxes at the Emirates in September, although they’ll be hoping for a less stressful victory this time out, as that game required a stoppage time winner to see off the relegation-threatened side.
Paul Merson predicts Leicester vs Arsenal
Arsenal will be without Kai Havertz for this match, after the German sustained a hamstring injury that will sideline him for the rest of the aeason.
Gabriel Martinelli is also out, meaning the Gunners are severely depleted in forward areas.
Despite these injury issues, former Arsenal forward and now pundit Paul Merson has backed his team to overcome Leicester.
Writing for Sportskeeda, the outspoken figure said: “This is a good game for Arsenal even though they’ve been rocked by the injury to Kai Havertz.
“I know they are struggling when it comes to the forward department, but I expect them to win here. Leicester are terrible defensively and could be put to the sword in this one!
“I don’t see Leicester winning. But I will say this one thing, it’s a different game for the now compared to how it was maybe six weeks ago.
“Ruud Van Nistelrooy should tell his players to have a go at Arsenal here.”
Score prediction: Leicester 1-3 Arsenal
Chris Sutton makes Leicester vs Arsenal prediction
Like Merson, Chris Sutton is convinced that Arsenal will ease past the Foxes by a two-goal margin.
Writing on BBC Sport, he said: “Even with Havertz out, and Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli both injured too, I think Arsenal will have enough to beat Leicester.
“Leandro Trossard will probably lead their attack, although Raheem Sterling can also play up there.
“Leicester are out of the FA Cup and were walloped by Everton in their last Premier League game. This is not going to be anything like as close as their last meeting, in September.”
Score prediction: Leicester 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal certainly should comfortably beat a Leicester side that have lost eight of their last nine Premier League games.
However, with the Gunners likely fielding a front three that hasn’t featured together regularly, breaking the deadlock at the King Power may be a tough task.
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