Arsenal host Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday, looking for back-to-back victories to kick off the new season.
After narrowly missing out on a place in the Champions League last season, Arsenal strengthened in the summer and kicked off their season with a 2-0 win at Crystal Palace last weekend.
Last season, Mikel Arteta’s team earned 41 points from 19 home games, a total only surpassed by Manchester City and Liverpool.
The north London club has won three consecutive Premier League home games dating back to last season and has beaten the Foxes in each of their last three meetings.
Arsenal lineup vs Leicester City (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Aaron Ramsdale was instrumental in Arsenal’s 2-0 win against Palace on opening day as he pulled off a string of crucial saves. The Englishman is quickly developing into one of the finest keepers in the Premier League.
Defenders
With Tomiyasu still not fully fit, Ben White should retain his spot at right-back. White produced an impressive performance against Palace, managing to keep tabs on the dangerous Wilfried Zaha for most of the game.
Gabriel and William Saliba will continue their partnership in central defense. Saliba hit the ground running and was named Man of the Match on his Premier League debut after a commanding display against Palace.
Tierney is pushing for a start at left-back, but Arteta is likely to stick with Oleksandr Zinchenko, who also had a memorable debut. The Ukrainian provided the assist for Arsenal’s opener and was a constant threat on the left.
Granit Xhaka will play alongside Thomas Partey in the center of the field. Only Bukayo Saka has played more minutes for Arsenal since Mikel Arteta’s arrival than Xhaka.
Martin Odegaard had a shaky start to his tenure as Arsenal’s permanent captain, drifting in and out of the game against Palace. He’ll be hoping to make a bigger impact against Leicester City on Saturday.
Gabriel Martinelli scored Arsenal’s first goal of the season and will continue to play on the left wing. Bukayo Saka will take the first step on the right. Both players are quick and direct, which will keep the Leicester defense guessing.
Attackers
Gabriel Jesus will make his debut for the Emirates against the Foxes. The Brazilian had a fantastic pre-season but failed to score on his Arsenal debut. Jesus has a perfect record against Leicester, having won all nine of his matches against the Foxes while at Manchester City.
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