Both teams suffered defeats in their previous clashes before resuming Premier League action this weekend. Leicester City fell to a 2-1 loss in the FA Cup, while Arsenal endured a 2-0 defeat at St. James’ Park. With both sides aiming for three points to lift their fans’ spirits, Kick Off Nigeria editor Ayomide Oguntimehin provides insights into predictions and betting tips ahead of Saturday’s clash.
Match Preview: Leicester City vs Arsenal
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City suffered a 2-1 loss at Old Trafford, ending their FA Cup title hopes and extending their poor run of form. The Foxes have now lost four of their last five matches, with only one win, putting the Dutch manager under pressure. As they welcome the Gunners to the King Power Stadium on Saturday, all eyes will be on the East Midlands to see if they can stand strong against the title contenders.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s only recent defeat came in their EFL Cup clash against Newcastle last Wednesday. Mikel Arteta’s side has otherwise maintained solid Premier League form, drawing twice and winning three of their last five league matches. Sitting second in the standings, three points ahead of third-placed Nottingham Forest, a single slip-up could dent their title ambitions.
Head-to-Head Matches (Last Five Meetings)
- 28.09.2024 – Premier League: Arsenal 4-2 Leicester
- 25.02.2023 – Premier League: Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
- 13.08.2022 – Premier League: Arsenal 4-2 Leicester
- 13.03.2022 – Premier League: Arsenal 2-0 Leicester
- 30.10.2021 – Premier League: Leicester 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal have won all five recent encounters, demonstrating their dominance in this fixture.
Recent Form: Leicester City
Leicester City have endured a difficult spell, struggling for consistency across competitions. Their most recent outing saw them exit the FA Cup with a narrow 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, following a heavy 4-0 Premier League loss to Everton. However, a 2-1 victory over Tottenham provided a brief moment of optimism amid their struggles.
At home, their form has been even more concerning. The Foxes have suffered consecutive 2-0 defeats at the King Power Stadium to Fulham and Crystal Palace. Before that, they were outclassed by Manchester City (0-2) and Wolves (0-3), exposing their defensive weaknesses. Their only bright spot in recent home fixtures came in the FA Cup, where they dismantled QPR 6-2, showcasing their attacking potential.
With just two wins in their last seven matches and a poor home record, Leicester face a tough challenge against Arsenal.
Recent Form: Arsenal
Despite a recent setback, Arsenal have been in strong form, picking up crucial wins across competitions. Their last outing ended in disappointment with a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the EFL Cup. However, before that, they delivered a statement performance with a dominant 5-1 win over Manchester City in the Premier League.
The Gunners also impressed in Europe, securing a 2-1 away victory against Girona in the Champions League and a commanding 3-0 home win over Dinamo Zagreb. A narrow 1-0 triumph against Wolves further highlighted their ability to grind out results.
Away from home, Arsenal have been largely impressive, winning three of their last five games on the road. They edged past Girona (2-1) and Wolves (1-0) in crucial away fixtures and claimed a 3-1 victory over Brentford. A 1-1 draw at Brighton showcased their resilience, but their most recent away match ended in a loss to Newcastle in the EFL Cup. Overall, the Gunners have been solid on their travels.
Player to Watch: Wilfred Ndidi
The Super Eagles star returned to action after 10 games on the sidelines due to injury. Against Manchester United, the Nigerian midfielder proved to be a vital presence, dominating the midfield battle. As Leicester prepare to face Arsenal, Ndidi will be expected to continue his strong form and play a crucial role in their game plan.
Related article: Unveiling the Salary Story of Wilfred Ndidi
Best Odds and Betting Tips
Away win – 1.32 on 1xBet
