A Huge Game for Two Title Contenders

The opening weekend of the Premier League season served as a big wake up call for Leicester City, as they went down 2-1, at newly promoted Hull City. Claudio Ranieri knew this season was going to be tough, after winning the title last season but the Italian manager would have expected more out of a match, against a team who were supposed to be in crisis mode. It appeared Leicester were really missing the presence of N’Golo Kante in midfield, who left for Chelsea and the suspended Robert Huth, in central defence. At least the latter of the two, will be back for this game.

It was a similarly disappointing start to the new Premier League campaign for Arsenal, who lost 4-3 at home to Liverpool. Having taken the lead in the game, Arsenal allowed Liverpool back into it during the second half and were 4-1 down, before pulling back two goals. Arsene Wenger had to make do without some key central defenders in that game and was forced to play Callum Chambers and Rob Holding in the heart of the defence. Arsenal fans will be hoping to see some of their first choice defenders back, for the trip to Leicester.

LEAGUE: English Premier League
GAME: Leicester City v Arsenal
LOCATION: King Power Stadium
DATE: Saturday 20/8
TIME: 18:30

Arsenal have enjoyed a strong domination over Leicester historically, defeating the Foxes 63 times, with 43 games ending in a draw. Leicester have won 29 games, from a total of 135 played between the teams.

Tips

We have looked closely at the following aspects of this match, which offer good betting value:

• Winner
• Match Result and both Teams to Score
• First Goalscorer

Leicester to Get Off the Mark

Both teams have put themselves under pressure after their opening day defeat and will know they cannot afford to lose a second match in row, this early in the season. At least Leicester now have the chance to play in-front of their own fans, which should give them a lift. Arsenal on the other hand, have mounting injury problems, especially in defence and it could be their deficiencies at the back, which see them leave with nothing.

Game Tip: Leicester to Win is 2.85 at Unibet

Attack the Best Form of Defence

With Per Mertesacker and Gabriel both definitely out of this match and Laurent Koscielny yet to return to the Arsenal team, Leicester will fancy their chances of finding the back of the net. Jamie Vardy missed a couple of chances against Hull and will want to put that right and Riyad Mahrez is always a threat. As for Arsenal, their best chance of winning will surely to be to attack, rather than rely on their defence to keep a clean sheet.

Game Tip: Leicester to Win and Both Teams to Score is 5 at Bet365

Vardy to Get Off the Mark

It was a disappointing opening day of the season for Jamie Vardy, who despite having some good chances to score, failed to find the back of the net. The England striker’s annoyance was there for all to see, as he struck himself in the face, having become frustrated with his finishing. However, having seen Arsenal play last weekend, Vardy will be looking forward to playing against a weak looking defence and should get a few more chances, one of which he is sure to take.

Game Tip: Jamie Vardy to Score First is 7 at Ladbrokes