David Raya injury call, Ethan Nwaneri decision – Arsenal predicted XI vs Leicester
After such an intense run of away games, Arsenal will finally be expecting an easier game when they take on Leicester at the Emirates. Mikel Arteta is making sure they don’t take their eyes off the ball though.
“I asked them the question yesterday, to write it: ‘What are the difficulties and the challenges here?’” he revealed in his pre-match press conference. “And they were very clear about it, so they know what is coming, and they know this league so far so good, and they know that we’re going to require to be at the top level tomorrow to beat them.”
If you’d offered Arsenal 11 points from the opening five fixtures that the computer served up they probably would have taken it. The reality is now though, that they are playing catch up. Only three points will do.
Their chances of getting those won’t be helped by the fact that Martin Odegaard, Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchekno, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mikel Merino are all out for the game. Neto and Leandro Trossard are back available though after missing Wednesday’s win over Bolton by being cup-tied and suspended respectively.
With a crucial Champions League match against PSG coming up this Tuesday though, Arteta faces a potentially tricky balancing act.
Goalkeeper – David Raya
There are serious doubts over David Raya’s availability for Leicester as he continues to struggle with a thigh issue. If the Spaniard is close to fitness though, he will surely play.
Right back – Jurrien Timber
Centre back – William Saliba
Centre back – Gabriel
Left back – Riccardo Calafiori
