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Top of the table Leicester City travel to third place Arsenal, in what looks like a potential title decider. A win for the Foxes would put them eight points ahead of the Gunners, which would surely be too big of a gap for Arsenal to close down as we approach the business end of the season. Whilst a victory for the North Londoners would put them just two points behind Leicester, and would give their title challenge lift off yet again.
Leicester stunned Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium with a 3-1 victory last weekend, and will be looking to pull off yet another big result. The performance at the Etihad sent a clear message out to every other title challenging team in the league. Many questioned Leicester’s quality, and suggested that they would soon drop off. However, the result against Manchester City proved that they have more than enough quality to go toe to toe with the best. The likes of Vardy, Mahrez and Kante all posses the quality to trouble this inconsistent Arsenal side, and there’s no doubt that many will be favouring Leicester to come out on top in this fixture.
To pick out one danger man in the Leicester side is difficult to say the least. Although if you had to pick out one man, it would surely be Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez. The 24 year old picked up a goal and an assist against Manchester City, which means he has been involved in 24 goals this season; a stat which highlights how crucial Mahrez is to this Leicester team. It will be down to Arsenal’s Nacho Monreal to keep Leicester’s deadly winger quiet. Can the Spaniard nullify the threat of Mahrez?
Arsenal on the other hand will be looking to Mesut Ozil to inspire them to victory. The German playmaker has been their best outfield player without a doubt this season, with four goals and 16 assists in the league. However, with Alexis Sanchez returning to full fitness, couldit be the Chilean who decides the game? Sanchez bagged a hat-trick against Leicester back in September in a 5-2 victory, and the Gunners will be hoping that he can deliver against the Foxes once again. Arsenal have failed to score in their last two home games in the league, so it is vital that Alexis Sanchez rediscovers his goal scoring form sooner rather than later.
Although this may be not be the ultimate title decider, the winner of this clash will surely be favourites to go on and win the title.
Predicted starting line ups:
Arsenal:
Cech, Bellerin, Koscienly, Gabriel, Monreal, Coquelin, Ramsey, Oxlade – Chamberlain, Ozil, Alexis, Giroud
Leicester:
Schmeichel, Simpson, Morgan, Huth, Fuchs, Mahrez, Kante, Drinkwater, Albrighton, Okazaki, Vardy
