In terms of style of football, this duo are two of the most exciting teams to watch in the Premier League when they are on song. Leicester with their quick counter attacking method whilst Arsenal are always pleasant on the eye.
Last season’s surprise title winners did not get off to the best start as they lost 2-1 away at newly-promoted Hull City last Saturday. Many onlookers are now confident in confirming their view that the 2015/16 season was a one season wonder for the Foxes. However, going away to a newly-promoted side in the first fixture was always likely to be difficult. These teams will always look to just pack the midfield and defence and look to take any rare opportunities that come at the other end – a tactic which Mike Phelan’s Hull executed perfectly.
This match could actually be easier for Leicester than last week as Arsenal should be easier to break down. Additionally, manager Claudio Ranieri is boosted by central defender Robert Huth returning from suspension and even more so by the fact that star man Riyad Mahrez has ended speculation surrounding his future at the club by signing a new four-year contract.
Despite Arsenal’s 3-4 loss against Liverpool being a great spectacle for the neutral, Arsene Wenger was disappointed by his side’s lack of experience and physical fitness during the match. This of course leads fans to one demand – ‘Wenger needs to buy’. The Gunners’ lack of transfer business during this window is poor for a team who are supposedly looking to challenge for the title.
Arsene Wenger is once again without a fully fit natural centre-back and may well have to gamble on the fitness of France international Laurent Koscielny.
As previously mentioned, I think Leicester will find this match a bit more to their liking than last week’s match against Hull and I am not sure how Arsenal will cope with Leicester’s potent front line without a fully fit central defender. With that in mind I have gone for the home win at 2/1.
Both Teams to Score is an obvious bet here but the bookies have put too low a price on that to be worthwhile. However, Alexis Sanchez has scored four goals in his two previous visits to the King Power – clearly a ground he likes. You can back the Chilean to score anytime at 19/10.
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