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Arsenal team news vs Leicester: Anticipated XI as sickness bug and two injuries force change
Arsenal’s squad for Saturday’s game against Leicester is shrouded in mystery due to a sickness bug circulating the club, with Kierney only recently returning to training and Ben White missing the game against Leeds due to the illness.
Given their current problems, Sports Dias examines Arsenal’s likely starting lineup.
Goalkeeper: Ramsdale
Bernd Leno put in a strong performance against Leeds in the Carabao Cup win earlier this week, but he is almost certain to be benched against Leicester.
Aaron Ramsdale has been the undisputed No. 1 since joining from Bournemouth and has been instrumental in the club’s unbeaten league run.
The 23-year-old has also developed a strong working relationship with Arsenal’s young backline.
He’s expected to play a key role in Arsenal’s bid to climb the Premier League table this season.
Defenders: Tavares, Gabriel, Holding, Tomiyasu
Kieran Tierney has been making good progress in training this week, according to Mikel Arteta.
However, the Scotland international appears to be a game-time decision, and Arteta may opt to avoid the risk and stick with Nuno Tavares.
Ben White, on the other hand, has yet to train since being substituted against Leeds and appears unlikely to play.
Rob Holding appears to have secured his place as Arsenal’s second-choice center-back and should start alongside Gabriel.
Midfielders: Partey, Sambi Lokonga, Smith Rowe, Saka
Arsenal’s switch to a 4-4-2 formation worked wonders last week against Aston Villa, with both Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka finding plenty of space.
The minor change also allowed Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to regularly receive the ball in dangerous areas.
With the pair starting only two league games together, Thomas Partey and Albert Sambi Lokonga still need more minutes together, and Arteta may want to stick with that partnership for the time being.
Martin Odegaard was an unexpected omission from the squad against Leeds, implying that he may not be available to face Leicester.
Attackers: Lacazette, Aubameyang
When both Lacazette and Aubameyang are at their best, Arsenal has one of the league’s best attacking partnerships.
Arteta has struggled to find the best formation that works for both of them since his arrival.
But, against Aston Villa, having both up top, with Lacazette dropping deeper to pick up the ball and dictate the attack, was critical.
And Arsenal manager will undoubtedly be hoping for more of the same against Leicester this afternoon.
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Arsenal team news vs Leicester: Anticipated XI as sickness bug and two injuries force change
