Predicted Lineup and Match Preview: Arsenal vs Leicester City – Coquelin, Ozil and Sanchez in Starting XI

February 14th 2016 will automatically go into Premier League’s history books since it is a prime example of why the English League is considered the best in the world. It has been regarded as Super Sunday as Premier League top four do battle against each other.

First of all, league leaders Leicester City will be visiting Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium – in a first verses third battle. Fourth placed Manchester City will be hosting second placed Tottenham in yet another Premier League fixture that has been dubbed a title showdown.

Arsenal go into the game on the back of a great 2-0 win over Bournemouth last weekend. And the form guide seems to favor both Arsenal and Leicester City given both teams have shown remarkable performances in their past matches.

Leicester have been the main wonder of the season and it will be interesting to see if they can carry on their fine form and cause the largest upset in English football history by winning the League. They have good players in their squad – Mahrez and Vardy in-particular have been outstanding and there is no-doubt the Foxes will struggle to hold the two players when transfer window opens.

Arsenal seem to have reclaimed their normal form and are ready to face the Foxes in the dubbed title showdown.

Arsene Wenger is reportedly facing a defensive challenge, as he will have to decide between picking a new tried and tested partnership of Laurent Koscielny and Gabriel Paulista or stick to the long-serving established partnership of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny. And because Mertasacker has proven to lack pace when dealing with speedy forwards, Wenger looks ready to start Gabriel to deal with Vardy and Mahrez.

Leicester have been identified to have a somewhat week defense compared to their attacking line and Wenger will be making good use of his attacking after it has been reported that Danny Welbeck will be available for selection on Sunday. Arsenal have Alexis Sanchez, Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott and Joel Campbell who have been on great form this season.

Both teams are optimistic to boost their title race, as Arsenal are looking to replicate their performance when they beat Leicester 5-2 earlier in the season. Leicester have won their last three league games and will be more confident after last weekend 3-1 victory at Man City.

Speaking ahead of the title showdown:

Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri said: “The pressure’s on the others. Tell me why we have pressure? Why must I feel pressure? We just continue to dream with our fans. This time I hope the bookmakers are right. They’re just words though, not points. Give me points!”

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said: “They are in a position still where they think that they have nothing to lose. But once you’re on top of the league you can think that now you can lose what you have. And that’s where the nerves come in a little bit. I don’t know how they will respond to that. I believe there is still a long way to go. It was very important for us to win (last) Sunday and I think we are back to our normal level.”

Predicted Lineups.
Arsenal: Cech; Bellerin, Gabriel, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin, Flamini; Ramsey, Ozil, Sanchez; Giroud

Leicester City: Schmeichel; Simpson, Morgan, Huth, Fuchs; Mahrez, Kante, Drinkwater, Albrighton; Okazaki, Vardy