Arsenal host third-placed Leicester City at the Emirates in good form and a win will take the Gunner’s sixth points behind the Foxes.

Although Gunnars manager, Mikel Arteta played down his team chances of claiming a Champions League spot with five premier league matches left to the end of the season – they’ve got a real shout if they beat Leicester today.

However, Brendan Rodger is looking to follow up on the win against Crystal Palace with the Foxes first away victory since New Year’s Day. And the return to scoring form of striker Jamie Vardy will be a huge factor in today’s match. The England star has scored nine goals in his last nine Premier League matches against Arsenal, including six in his last five. 

Head-to-Head

Both teams have played 27 matches with Arsenal winning 16 times, Leicester 4 and they’ve played out 7 draws. On current form, Arsenal have won three of their last five matches and lost two while Leicester have won two, draw two and lost just one.

The Gunnars have won their last 12 home league matches against Leicester and can equal their best such sequence of 13 straight top-flight victories over Stoke City, achieved between 1983 and 2018.

Interestingly, the Foxes can win a third consecutive league encounter with Arsenal for the first time since 1963. 

Team news

Mesut Ozil is doutful for this clash with back injury and he is being assessed after missing the 2-0 victory at Wolves. German goalkeeper, Bernd Leno, Calum Chambers, Pablo Mari and Gabriel Martinelli remain out.

For Leicester, Ben Chilwell doubtful with a foot injury and James Maddison is being assessed with a hip concern and defender Ricardo Pereira is a long-term absentee.

Key battles 

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang vs Johnny Evans

Aubameyang is Arsenal’s topscorer with 19 goals this season and will be hoping to lead Arsenal into the UEFA Champions League in his first season as club captain but his battle against former Manchester United defender, Evans will be a great watch.

David Luiz vs Jamie Vardy

“There’s not too many players in the world that give you that.” 💥

High praise for @Vardy7 from Brendan Rodgers ⏬

— Leicester City (@LCFC) July 7, 2020

Jamie Vardy has 21 goals this season in the premier league and against Crystal Palace he took his career goals tally to 101 with a brilliant brace and will be a handful for the error prone David Luiz. It will be fascinating to see how the Brazilian deals with the threat from Vardy.

Probable XI

Arsenal: Martínez; Bellerín, Tierney, Mustafi, Luiz; Ceballos, Xhaka; Pépé, Saka; Lacazette, Aubameyang.

Leicester City: Schmeichel; Justin, Chilwell, Söyüncü, Evans; Ndidi, Tielemans, Madison; Barnes, Iheanacho, Vardy.

Officials for the game

Referee: Chris Kavanagh. Assistants: Daniel Cook, Sian Massey-Ellis. 

Fourth official: Darren England. Replacement official: Carl Fitch-Jackson. 

VAR: Stuart Attwell. Assistant VAR: Simon Beck. 

Prediction

Arsenal 1-2 Leicester City

source:- fcnaija