Things have to be put in perspective because the average Premier League season is filled with twists and turns. All too often, one promoted team will start well and another will struggle, only for their fortunes to be reversed come the end of the season. This is why expectations must be tempered for high-flying Leicester City.
Fifth-place Arsenal face the challenge of travelling fourth-place Leicester in search of a rejuvenating victory. Arsenal had to suffer through a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea in which Gabriel and Santi Cazorla were both sent off. Arsène Wenger endured yet another league defeat at the hands of nemesis José Mourinho.
Expectations
Leicester City have surprised everyone for a number of reasons. They were all over the place last season, with former manager Nigel Pearson eventually righting the ship and securing survival. However, he has since been replaced by Claudio Ranieri, who was famously know as the ‘Tinker Man’ during his managerial spell with Chelsea.
Regardless of his past, Ranieri is inspiring fantastic performance out of forward Jamie Vardy and attacking midfielder Riyad Mahrez. Both have proven instrumental so far, but maintaining their performances when their teammates begin to struggle will be unlikely.
Three wins from six games tells you that Wenger is close to finding the right balance to his side. Standing in his way, however, is an ever-present desire to play with Mesut Özil in the centre. Francis Coquelin are Cazorla are both excellent in central midfield, but they need Aaron Ramsey to come inside and help them to dominate games.
While Wenger is unlikely to get things right and ultimately win the league, he is already on course to secure Champions League qualification. Along the way, he will win games against the likes of Leicester. Arsenal’s slicker passing should be able to open up the Foxes, especially given how they have conceded nine goals so far this season.
Match Tips
Tip one: Arsenal @ 1.83 with Betfair
Tip two: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.61 with Betfair
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Losing so badly against Chelsea will force Wenger to reconsider his line-up and make vital changes. A win against Leicester will help them get back to form.
