Arsenal travel to the King Power Stadium to face Leicester City today in a must-wing encounter for the Gunners. Boss Arsene Wenger rang a multitude of changes to his side for the trip to White Hart Lane during the midweek in the Capital One Cup game and, the Frenchman is likely to recall some of his established stars to the staring XI to face the high-flying Leicester.
Goalkeeper: Petr Cech.
Colombian goalie David Ospina was outstanding against Spurs during the midweek but Cech is expected to return to the starting line-up today, after conceding two goals against his former employers Chelsea last weekend.
Right Back: Hector Bellerin
Bellerin would have know his position at right-back in now secured, following Mathieu Debuchy’s struggles against Tottenham during the midweek. A strong performance for Bellerin today will definitely help the Spaniard cement his place at right-back.
Central Defence: Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny.
The Gunners’ regular central defence partner Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny have not played together for a while now, with the German having recently returned from injury. Their impressive partnership should be witnessed against the Foxes, with Gabriel Paulista having to serve a one-game ban and Callum Chambers largely unimpressive against Spurs.
Left-Back: Nacho Monreal
The abyss between Bellerin and Debuchy at right-back is in a class of its own, but a much fiercer battle is currently in place between Nacho Monreal and Kieran Gibbs at left-back. The Englishman was brilliant against Spurs, but Monreal remains first-choice for this season and the Spaniard will be handed the task of nullifying the threats that will be posed by arguably the league’s in-form player in Riyad Mahrez.
Defensive Midfield: Mathieu Flamini
Regular defensive midfield man Francis Coquelin picked up a knee injury against Chelsea last weekend and subsequently missed the midweek game against Tottenham, giving Mathieu Flamini a chance to shine against Spurs by grabbing two goals thay ensured victory for Arsenal. Arsene Wenger now faces a selection problem for the DM role. Normally, Mikel Arteta should be handed a start in that area but it would appear outlandish to leave out Flamini after the Frenchman’s displays against Mauricio Pochettino’s side on Wednesday.
Central Midfield: Santi Cazorla
Cazorla missed the Spurs’ game due to suspension as a consequence of the red card he picked up against the Blues last weekend. The Spain ace is now expected to return to Arsenal’s starting XI for today’s trip.
Right Midfield: Aaron Ramsey
Ramsey showed glimpses of what he is capable of, when deployed centrally, against Spurs. Nevertheless, the Welshman could be returned to a wide position today. The unflagging midfielder is prone to error at times, but he will definitely be up for it when the Gunners face Tottenham today.
Central Midfield: Mesut Ozil
Ozil was on the substitute bench during the game against Tottenham but failed to get any minutes. The Germany international should now be fully rested to face high-flying Claudio Ranieri’s side, who remain the only team to have not lost in the league this season.
Left-Wing: Alexis Sanchez.
The Chilean attacker was given a cameo role against Spurs and Alexis Sanchez was lively throughout the game. But the former Barcelona ace is yet to score this term and has failed to reach the pace he set last season at the Emirates. Wenger will continue to keep his faith with the 26-year old, given the player’s ability to create and change games when it is going difficult.
Centre-Forward: Theo Walcott.
Although Arsenal’s first-choice striker this season is not yet known but with Olivier Giroud underwhelming once again during the midweek, Theo Walcott will likely be given another opportunity to shine in the centre-forward role against the Foxes later today.