Leicester City are the only team in the league, who have made a complete turnaround in their fortunes this season after starting the campaign in a nightmarish manner. And while the thought has been quite prevalent for some time that the Foxes’ dream is over and they would no longer be a title threat next season, it could be proven wrong if Craig Shakespeare manages to retain the existing crop of players and add more depth in the defence.
Leicester currently sit in the 14th position in the league table with two more games in hand than the likes of Bournemouth, West Ham United and Stoke City, who lead the Foxes by one to two points. Leicester visit Arsenal in the midweek after their previous league fixture had got postponed owing to the North-London side’s FA Cup commitments.
A top half finish would definitely be ideal and deserving for the Foxes who have shown immense character in their resurgence, but their remaining fixtures include the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham too, apart from Arsenal and it isn’t going to be easy.
To top that, Leicester are winless in their last 20 league games against Arsenal with the Gunners winning each of their last nine home fixtures against them. However, Leicester got more than enough rest to come stronger for this game as their weekend fixture against Tottenham Hotspur was postponed.
Predicted Leicester City Line-up vs Arsenal
Defence
Kasper Schmeichel will start the under the bar once again. Unlike the last season, the Danish international has often been injured and couldn’t serve the side in a similar manner. Arsenal have their eyes set upon him next summer and the exclusion from European platform could trigger a move to the North-London side.
The defence is expected to be the same from the hard-fought Champions League game except for the return of Robert Huth. The German was suspended for the quarter-finals and will return to the heart of the defence alongside Wes Morgan. The defensive flanks should be taken by Christian Fuchs and Danny Simpson.
Midfield
The double pivot is expected to feature Onyinye Ndidi and Danny Drinkwater with Shinji Okazaki starting as the number 10. The playmaker’s position has been a huge void for Leicester this season and would be their top priority in the transfer window.
Attack
The flanks should be taken by Marc Albrighton and Riyad Mahrez. Jamie Vardy will start as the lone striker.
