Arsenal vs Leicester Preview

• Arsenal to win
• Arsenal to keep clean sheet

After a thrilling match against Manchester City, Arsenal return to the Emirates Stadium to face Leicester City. Mikel Arteta’s side is looking to build on their unbeaten start to the Premier League season, while Leicester aims for their first league win since February 2023.

Arsenal: Maintaining Momentum Amidst Injury Challenges

Arsenal nearly achieved a memorable victory against Manchester City last Sunday but had to settle for a 2-2 draw after conceding a last-minute equaliser.

Despite being down to ten men for most of the match, the Gunners preserved their unbeaten run (W3, D2) this season, with Mikel Arteta deflecting criticism over his team’s tactical approach to closing out the game.

The Gunners will be hoping to keep their positive form going, even with their growing injury list. They return to the Emirates with confidence, having won three of their last five Premier League home matches ‘to nil’ while scoring at least twice in four of those (W4, D1).

Arsenal’s dominance in this fixture is well-documented, having lost to Leicester at home only once since September 1973 (W22, D7).

Leicester City: Searching for a First Win Since Return to Top Flight

Leicester City, back in the Premier League, is yet to find their footing this season (D3, L2). However, draws against Crystal Palace (2-2) and Everton (1-1) have kept them just above the relegation zone.

The Foxes’ slow start has caused some unrest among supporters, with manager Steve Cooper acknowledging the team’s shortcomings, especially after a lacklustre 0-0 draw against Everton that earned them a solitary point.

Leicester’s recent EFL Cup clash against League Two side Walsall did not inspire much confidence either, as they needed penalties to advance after a goalless draw.

The Foxes are now on a ten-game winless run away from home in the Premier League since February 2023 (D4, L6). Their recent travels to London have also proven difficult, with the team conceding twice in both visits to the capital this term (D1, L1).

Key Players to Watch

Kai Havertz (Arsenal)

The German forward has made a solid impact at the Emirates, scoring twice this season. On both occasions, Havertz opened the scoring in the first half, between the 20th and 40th minute. Havertz’s presence and creativity could be vital in breaking down Leicester’s defence early in the game.

Stephy Mavididi (Leicester City)

The former Arsenal player has been a bright spot in Leicester’s attack, finding the net in each of their last two league matches. Interestingly, all three of his goals this season have come after half-time, making Mavididi a potential second-half game-changer for the Foxes.

Arsenal’s Home Fortress vs Leicester’s Struggles on the Road

Arsenal’s strong home form this season could play a significant role in this match. The Gunners have shown an ability to dominate at the Emirates, with their defensive strength and clinical attack helping them secure wins ‘to nil’ while scoring multiple goals.

Leicester, meanwhile, continues to search for their first away league win since February and struggles to maintain consistency, especially on their travels to London.

Can Leicester Break the Emirates Curse?

Leicester will need a turnaround in form to have a chance against Arsenal, and their recent penalty-shootout victory over Walsall may not have provided the confidence boost they hoped for.

The Foxes have not enjoyed much success against Arsenal historically, especially at the Emirates, but with players like Stephy Mavididi stepping up, they will look to defy the odds.

Final Thoughts

With Arsenal looking to keep their unbeaten record intact and Leicester aiming for their first Premier League away win of the season, this match promises an intriguing battle.

Arsenal’s home strength and attack spearheaded by Kai Havertz make them favourites, but Leicester’s search for redemption and Mavididi’s form could add some unpredictability to this encounter.

Will Arsenal continue their dominant home performances and extend their unbeaten run, or will Leicester break their London hoodoo and claim a valuable away victory?

For more info on this fixture, you may also visit:
Arsenal v Leicester, 2024/25 | Premier League