Arsenal vs Leicester City news: Vardy-less Foxes to be outgunned in the capital
Arsenal's Martin Odegaard celebrates Alexandre Lacazette's (not pictured) goal, their side's second of the game during the Premier League match at Emirates Stadium, London.
Arsenal can take a serious step towards Champions League qualification when they welcome Leicester City to the Emirates.
The battle to clinch a top four finish could drag on until the final round of the season.
However, if Arsenal don't find themselves in those coveted Champions League spots come May, it would certainly be one of the biggest disappointments the club has endured in many a year - and that's saying something.
The Gunners are currently fifth in the table and trail Manchester United by two points. But more importantly, Arsenal have played four games less than the Red Devils, and should comfortably overtake them once all those fixtures have been completed.
Mikel Arteta certainly won't be looking too far ahead, as Leicester are by no means pushovers.
The Foxes have endured a rather drab season, but a run of four straight victories across all competitions underlines their improving form.
When: Sunday, March 13, 16:30 GMT
Where: Emirates Stadium, London
Where to watch: Sky Sports
Who is the ref for Arsenal vs Leicester
Veteran referee Anthony Taylor will take charge of his 20th Premier League match of the season this Sunday.
Arsenal have a perfect record under Taylor's watch, having won two from two. Leicester, on the other hand, drew 2-2 with Crystal Palace in their last match with the 43-year-old as the main match official.
Season stats 2021/22: Premier League matches (19), yellow cards (76), red cards (4), penalties (7)
Recent form
Arsenal kicked off the new year in pretty depressing fashion after going through the entirety of January without a single win.
Since then, the Gunners have been pretty much unstoppable, having won four games from four.
Their winning run began with a 1-0 victory away at Wolves, which was backed up with a 2-1 derby delight against Brentford.
A week later, Arsenal picked up another win over Wolves before starting the month of March with a 3-2 victory over Watford.
Leicester also come into this game on the back of four consecutive victories.
The Foxes enjoyed Europa Conference League triumphs over Randers and Rennes, while also managing to dispatch Leeds and Burnley in-between their European outings.
Perhaps the most pleasing aspect for Brendan Rodgers is the fact his side are once again scoring goals - eight from their last four to be precise.
Last time out
Leicester 0-2 Arsenal (Premier League - October 30, 2021)
Two early efforts from Gabriel and Emile Smith-Rowe helped the Gunners to a big win away at Leicester.
The Foxes dominated the match on paper, but failed to take advantage of their superior ball possession.
Managers' thoughts:
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta on whether his side are favourites for the top four: "I don't know, the only matter for me is how we train tomorrow and how we play on Sunday. The rest, this is football and its so unpredictable: nobody knows what can happen. Our only focus is on performing and winning matches."
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers on challenge posed by Arsenal: "We try to win every single game we want to play in. It's the same idea at the weekend, we don't think about Thursday, we go to the Emirates Stadium and want to put in a good performance."
Predicted Arsenal vs Leicester teams
The most significant piece of team news is that prolific goalscorer - especially against Arsenal - Jamie Vardy will not be available for selection.
The former England international picked up a knee injury and will be a big miss for the Foxes.
Vardy will join Jonny Evans, Timothy Castagne and Ryan Bertrand on the sidelines.
Arsenal, in contrast, are in good shape ahead of Sunday's clash, and could have Emile Smith-Rowe back in the fold.
Possible Arsenal starting line-up: Ramsdale, Cedric, White, Gabriel, Tierney, Xhaka, Partey, Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli, Lacazette
Possible Leicester starting line-up: Schmeichel, Justin, Amartey, Soyuncu, Thomas, Ndidi, Tielemans, Albrighton, Maddison, Barnes, Iheanacho
Arsenal vs Leicester City prediction
No Vardy simply means no party for Leicester City, as their four-match winning run is set to come to an end.
Arsenal can all but smell Champions League football, and they'll want to end the weekend in the top four - meaning they must first get the job done against the Foxes.
It won't be easy, but back the Gunners to win 2-1.
