After a seemingly long time, we are finally back to our weekly enjoyment with the English Premier League starting this Friday. With all the top teams strengthening themselves, so as to snatch the title from the champions Chelsea or as is the case with the Blues, to defend it, it promises to be an exciting season up ahead. With 38 game weeks to take place, we will see teams fight it out for the title, the European spots, the relegation struggle, and many more important objectives varying from team to team. With Arsenal set to welcome former English Premier League Champions Leicester City, we are in for a great start to the season with the two talented squads coming face to face, vying for the three points.
ARSENAL FC vs. LEICESTER CITY FC
Three-way: 1: Arsenal -185; X: +375 Draw; 2: Leicester City +650
Spread –1: Arsenal -112; Leicester City +112
Total +3: Over +106; Under -111
ARSENAL FC
The Gunners have always complained of the team only managing to finish in the top four and nothing more in the last 10-12 years, which underlined, although in an unnoticed manner, the fact about the efficiency of Arsene Wenger in getting consistent performances to at least have a UCL berth. This season, they will have their first taste of a Champions league deprived season under the French boss, which is impressive considering that he has been in the dugout since 1996.
On the positive, the Gunners have made two very good signings in French poacher Lacazette, and Bosnia and Herzegovina left back Sead Kolasinac. Alexandre Lacazzete, bought for a club record 40 million Euros plus add-ons, has filled the fans with hope that the Van Persie-esque hole in the striker’s position will finally be filled, as the Frenchman has been one of the most lethal goalscorers in the world for the last few seasons. Left back Kolasinac, signed on a free transfer, looks to be a shrewd acquisition for the Gunners, as he looks to add defensive solidity and attacking threat from the left hand side, and in the long run, become a replacement for the ever reliable Nacho Monreal.
The North Londoners have had a mixed preseason. They have played six matches, out of which they have won four, and lost the other two. They two defeats have been against their bitter rivals Chelsea in China by a massive 0:3, followed by an agonizing defeat against Monaco in the annual Emirates cup by 0:1. However, their major positive was the fact that they were able to pick themselves up, and put in a very composed showing against Chelsea in the curtain raiser FA Community Shield, as they managed to come from 0:1 down, to a win in the penalty shoot outs. New signing Sead Kolasinac was the player to head the ball home in what was his debut match. In the preseason, including the community shield, they have managed to score 13 goals in seven matches, while conceding 9 in the same period.
So often is the case with injuries to star players with Arsenal, it almost looks like the fans are used to it. Midfield orchestrator Santi Cazorla has been out since 20th October due to an ankle injury, and relapses during recoveries have made the rejoining process even harder. It looks like he will be out at least until October before he takes the field. Francis Coqeulin is also out with an ankle injury, but he will most likely be back for the third gameweek, meaning he will miss the first match. Mesut Ozil and Joel Campbell are both having minor wounds, and are a doubt for the match against the foxes, like transfer market darling Alexis Sanchez, who is supposedly ill. Joining them in the stands is Mertesacker, who might be available for the first match after suffering stitches in Community shield, while Laurent Koscielny serves a red card suspension.
LEICESTER CITY FC
Last year, Leicester City did a Chelsea. For those who don’t understand the reference, just like Chelsea made a dramatic fall from grace after winning the title three years ago, Leicester also endured a very difficult season after completing a shock title triumph two years ago. They were never going to reach the same heights, but people still expected some good performances, which they couldn’t provide till the second half of the season, hence losing Claudio Ranieri and incurring the fans wrath in the process.
In the transfer window, they have made some good moves so far. They have conducted a double raid on Hull City as they have signed Keeper Jakupovic for 2.3 million Euros, along with defender Harry Maguire, who was one of the shining lights in an otherwise disappointing season for the Tigers. Along with these two, they have signed midfield enforcer Vicente Iborra from Sevilla for 15 million, and highly rated youngster Kelechi Iheanacho from Manchester City for 27.7 million Euros initial fees.
The club recently concluded their first preseason under newly appointed permanent manager Craig Shakespeare on Saturday against M’gladbach. They have taken part in five friendly matches, losing two, drawing one, and winning tow, including a 2-1 win against M’gladbach. In all these matches, they have scored a total of 5 goals, while conceding four goals, keeping two clean sheets in the process. This shows that their attack is still not very efficient when it comes to scoring goals. To add to the trouble, star winger Riyad Mahrez seems to be intent on a move to Roma, while midfielder Danny Drinkwater has been subject to intense speculation linking him to Chelsea where he may join former team mate N’golo Kante.
In terms of injuries and absences, the Foxes are seemingly better off than the Gunners. Wes Morgan has been troubled with some recurring back problems since March, but he might be available for selection, come this weekend. Midfielder Nampalys Mendy and German centre back Robert Huth both are having Malleolar injuries. Huth should be back by the end of the month, unlike Mendy, whose return date has not been determined yet.
ARSENAL FC VS LEICESTER CITY FC- Match Prediction:
This match can turn out to be a real entertainer if both the teams play to their capabilities. Arsenal showed on Sunday that they have the steel in them to make a comeback, while they have been helped by the newfound physicality of Sead Kolasinac in the backline.
However, the Gunners are known to be inconsistent, and under Shakespeare, the Foxes are more than able to cause a massive upset. Along with the directness and speed of Jamie Vardy, they now also have the enthusiasm and efficiency of Iheanacho, who boasts one of the best goals per start ratios in the league. Much of the focus will probably be on Lacazette, who has worked hard but has earned mixed previews so far from various people regarding his adaptability in the first season.
Expecting the Gunners to win on Friday is something that each Arsenal fans is looking forward to, but considering that their opponent will be the feisty Foxes, who were not that long ago, the English Premier League champions, I think that we are up for a great battle. Anyhow, my safe bet is to pick the over as both teams like to push forward and play offensively.
MY PICK: Over 3 goals (+106)
