2020-21 Premier League: Week 26 – Leicester vs Arsenal

Following contrasting Europa League fortunes in midweek, Leicester City meet Arsenal at the King Power Stadium on Super Sunday. 

At least one point would see Leicester climb to second for at least four hours, whereas Arsenal could go as high as ninth with victory.

 

Team News

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Leicester have no fresh injury concerns to report as Kelechi Iheanacho looks for a recall, after missing their Europa League exit to Slavia Prague on Thursday through suspension.

James Maddison (hip) is still ruled out and joins James Justin, Ayoze Perez (both knee), Wes Morgan (back), Wesley Fofana (thigh) and Dennis Praet (hamstring) on the sidelines.

Arsenal could welcome Rob Holding back into their starting eleven after the defender sat out Thursday’s Europa League win over Benfica in line with concussion protocols.

 

Stat Attack

  • Leicester are unbeaten in four of their last five league meetings against Arsenal (W1, D1, L1).
  • Arsenal have lost just three of their last 13 visits to Leicester (W4, D6, L3).
  • Foxes’ Jamie Vardy has scored four goals in his last three home appearances against Arsenal.
  • Nicholas Pepe has scored in two of his last three away league appearances for Arsenal, with both of his goals coming in the first half.
  • Seven of Harvey Barnes’ 13 goals in all competitions this season have come at the King Power Stadium.

 

Prediction

Leicester will be disappointed to have crashed out of the Europa League on Thursday with a toothless display against stubborn opposition, yet this is a chance for them to refocus and take a big step in their bid for a top four finish with a more positive performance.

Arsenal meanwhile showed grit and excellent slick play to scrape past Benfica on Thursday but did utilise all of their main players, which indicates that their priorities lie elsewhere so I am expecting a B team lineup here which should suit Leicester given their squad rotation meaning fresher players.

Saying that, Leicester need to be sharper in attack than they were on Thursday because Arsenal won’t be as compact defensively as Slavia Prague were, in turn offering hope of a decent battle but Leicester should have enough to beat a potentially weaker Arsenal lineup.

Prediction: Leicester 2-1 Arsenal

Result: Leicester 1-3 Arsenal

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