LEICESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 02 : Jamie Vardy of Leicester City celebrates after scoring to make it 1-0 during the Barclays Premier League match between Leicester City and Liverpool at the King Power Stadium on February 02 , 2016 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal versus Leicester City preview: 5 key points to watch
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 26: Jamie Vardy of Leicester heads the ball against the crossbar as under pressure from Nacho Monreal as Petr Cech of Arsenal looks on the Barclays Premier League match between Leicester City and Arsenal on September 26, 2015 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Leicester City will look to continue their fairy tale run to a Premier League title this weekend, but can Arsenal bring them down to Earth?
Leicester City heads to Arsenal this weekend in the Premier League’s top match-up. It’s a replay of Arsenal’s 5-2 drubbing of Leicester at King Power Stadium earlier this year, but things have changed a lot since then. Will Arsenal have what it takes to keep Jamie Vardy in check?
This figures to be a fascinating contest that will feature two of the Premier League’s best attacks. The fact that they go about their offense in two totally different ways only adds to the intrigue. Arsenal will look to dominate possession while Leicester will only care about dominating the score board.
Don’t let the score line of the previous encounter fool you. Leicester will come into this match with a ton of confidence and will be looking to take three points from the Gunners. Neither side will be looking for a draw in this crucial Premier League battle.
There are a number of interesting tactical questions and personnel battles that are worthy of your attention, but we’ve narrowed it down to the five most important things to watch. Enjoy this primer that will help cut through the noise and get right to what will matter in the match-up between the Premier League leaders and third-place clubs.
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<p>Arsene Wenger should throw the Foxes a curve ball and start Theo Walcott up top, but I don’t think the French manager is that brave. I strongly suspect he’ll stick to his normal script and play Giroud as a stand-alone striker. That will play right into Claudio Ranieri’s hands.</p>
<p>The Foxes’ manager will be happy to see the bruising Giroud try his luck against Huth and Morgan. Those two struggle with pace, not with brawn. Count on Arsenal to have a lot of the ball, and Giroud will even get to touch it a fair amount. That doesn’t mean he’ll do anything productive with it though.</p>
<p>If, by some chance, Giroud manages to win the battle against Huth and Morgan than Leicester have no chance to win this match. They have to completely neutralize the French man so they can focus on the more talented duo of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez. If Giroud proves to be too much for Leicester, it is going to be along day for the Premier League leaders.</p>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-406051" src=https://playingfor90.com/2016/02/12/arsenal-versus-leicester-city-preview-5-key-points-to-watch/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_446,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2016%2F02%2F504327734-tottenham-hotspur-v-leicester-city-fa-cup-third-round-590x900.jpg" alt="LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 10: N'Golo Kante of Leicester City in action with Tom Carroll of Tottenham Hotspur during the FA Cup third round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City at White Hart Lane on January 10, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)" width="590" height="446" srcset="https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/02/504327734-tottenham-hotspur-v-leicester-city-fa-cup-third-round-590x900.jpg 590w, https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/02/504327734-tottenham-hotspur-v-leicester-city-fa-cup-third-round-300x600.jpg 300w, https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/02/504327734-tottenham-hotspur-v-leicester-city-fa-cup-third-round-768x0.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 10: N’Golo Kante of Leicester City in action with Tom Carroll of Tottenham Hotspur during the FA Cup third round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City at White Hart Lane on January 10, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>4. The battle between N’Golo Kane and Mesut Ozil</h3>
<p>This is quite possibly a battle between the Premier League midfielder who gets the most credit for his team’s success versus the midfielder who gets ignored despite his terrific play. Mesut Ozil is a regular headline grabber for the Gunners while Kante works in the shadows for his Foxes.</p><div class="related-category right">
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<p>In fairness, both players have had terrific seasons in their own way. Ozil has pulled the strings masterfully for the Arsenal attack while Kante has shut down the opposition and quickly transitioned the ball into attack for Leicester. Chances are, these two men are going to see a lot of one another this weekend.</p>
<p>It’s a battle that could go either way. While Ozil has been effective on the whole this year, he does have the tendency to disappear in big matches every once in a while. Kante has the habit of making the other team’s best midfielder spend most of the match in his back pocket. It will be a scintillating battle to watch.</p>
<p>The winner of this duel will go a long way towards determining the winner of this match. If Kante can stifle Ozil and get the ball out to Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez early and often, then Leicester will be in great shape. If Ozil manages to elude Kante and gets a lot of time on the ball, he will pick the Foxes’ defense apart.</p>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-406127" src=https://playingfor90.com/2016/02/12/arsenal-versus-leicester-city-preview-5-key-points-to-watch/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_444,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2016%2F02%2F508912884-a-f-c-bournemouth-v-arsenal-premier-league-590x900.jpg" alt="BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 07: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal reacts during the Barclays Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal at The Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth 7th February 2016. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)" width="590" height="444" srcset="https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/02/508912884-a-f-c-bournemouth-v-arsenal-premier-league-590x900.jpg 590w, https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/02/508912884-a-f-c-bournemouth-v-arsenal-premier-league-300x600.jpg 300w, https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/02/508912884-a-f-c-bournemouth-v-arsenal-premier-league-768x0.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 07: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal reacts during the Barclays Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal at The Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth 7th February 2016. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>3. Can Arsenal stay patient?</h3>
<p>As I mentioned before, this game is the ultimate in contrasting styles. Leicester will be happy to sit back and watch Arsenal pass the ball around, as long as it isn’t in a dangerous area. Arsenal will need to stay patient if they want to break down the Leicester defense.</p>
<p>Perhaps more importantly, they need to maintain their composure and patience to prevent Leicester from getting out on the counter attack. That’s how the Foxes will want to score. If Arsenal gets overly-ambitious with their passing, they could get burned by the likes of Vardy and Mahrez.</p>
<p>Instead, Arsenal will need to take what the Leicester defense gives them. They’ll have plenty of time on the ball, and must pass the ball carefully in an effort to wear Leicester down. Their best chance to score will be to lull the opposing defense to sleep with some boring, possession-based football. Fortunately for Arsenal, that’s one of their specialties.</p>
<p>Still, especially at the beginning of the game when adrenaline is flowing for both sides, the Gunners have to guard against going for glory too much. If they push too many men forward looking for the early advantage, Peter Cech is likely to be picking the ball out of the back of his own net. Arsenal doesn’t need to try to score five goals again, just a patient pair will do.</p>
<div class="next-post amp-get-next-post lg slider"><a class="location" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-post-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/02/12/arsenal-versus-leicester-city-preview-5-key-points-to-watch/"#"><span class="next amp-next-post-teaser">Next: </span><span class="amp-get-next-post">2. Can Arsenal's centre backs keep up with Jamie Vardy?</span></a></div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_405873" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-405873" src=https://playingfor90.com/2016/02/12/arsenal-versus-leicester-city-preview-5-key-points-to-watch/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_393,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2016%2F02%2F508021188-leicester-city-v-liverpool-premier-league-590x900.jpg" alt="LEICESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 02: Jamie Vardy of Leicester City scores his team's second goal while Dejan Lovren of Liverpool tries to block during the Barclays Premier League match between Leicester City and Liverpool at The King Power Stadium on February 2, 2016 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)" width="590" height="393" srcset="https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/02/508021188-leicester-city-v-liverpool-premier-league-590x900.jpg 590w, https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/02/508021188-leicester-city-v-liverpool-premier-league-300x600.jpg 300w, https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/02/508021188-leicester-city-v-liverpool-premier-league-768x0.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LEICESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 02: Jamie Vardy of Leicester City scores his team’s second goal while Dejan Lovren of Liverpool tries to block during the Barclays Premier League match between Leicester City and Liverpool at The King Power Stadium on February 2, 2016 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>2. Can Arsenal’s centre backs keep up with Jamie Vardy?</h3>
<p>Wenger’s choice of starting centre backs is one of the most intriguing starting selections of this match. Per Mertesacker has been a regular fixture in Wenger’s back four but his lack of pace could cost the Gunners dearly. He couldn’t catch Vardy or Mahrez with a five-second head start.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
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<p>That’s why Wenger is reportedly considering starting Gabriel in Mertesacker’s place. <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/02/12/arsenal-versus-leicester-city-preview-5-key-points-to-watch/"http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3441038/Arsene-Wenger-considers-playing-Gabriel-Arsenal-defence-combat-pace-Jamie-Vardy-Riyad-Mahrez-Leicester-City.html" target="_blank">The Daily Mail reports that Wenger is “agonising”</a> over the choice between Mertesacker and Gabriel. The latter has started the last three Premier League matches in Mertesacker’s red card suspension.</p>
<p>Whichever man he chooses will need to play one of their better matches if they intend to keep Vardy quiet. He’s been outstanding this season, and his pace on the break will test Arsenal’s back four to their absolute limits. He only needs to get a step on Arsenal’s centre back pairing once to provide a decisive goal for his side.</p>
<p>In fairness, the task of stopping Vardy is going to need to be taken up by Arsenal’s entire back four and their defensive midfield pairing. It’s not going to be a job for just the central back pairing. They just happen to be the last line of defense against the prolific Englishman. If they switch off even for an instant, it could mean a devastating goal to Arsenal’s title hopes.</p>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-405782" src=https://playingfor90.com/2016/02/12/arsenal-versus-leicester-city-preview-5-key-points-to-watch/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_418,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2016%2F02%2F506407450-leicester-city-v-stoke-city-premier-league-590x900.jpg" alt="LEICESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 23: Jamie Vardy (L) and Leonardo Ulloa (R)of Leicester City talk during the warm up prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Leicester City and Stoke City at The King Power Stadium on January 23, 2016 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)" width="590" height="418" srcset="https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/02/506407450-leicester-city-v-stoke-city-premier-league-590x900.jpg 590w, https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/02/506407450-leicester-city-v-stoke-city-premier-league-300x600.jpg 300w, https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/02/506407450-leicester-city-v-stoke-city-premier-league-768x0.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LEICESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 23: Jamie Vardy (L) and Leonardo Ulloa (R)of Leicester City talk during the warm up prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Leicester City and Stoke City at The King Power Stadium on January 23, 2016 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>1. Can Leicester adjust to being the hunted team?</h3>
<p>Until last weekend’s epic triumph against Manchester City, Ranieri could tout his side as underdogs in the race for the Premier League title. Their thrashing of Manuel Pellegrini’s men means that now they are the title favorites. I have serious concerns as to how they can deal with that pressure.</p>
<p>I’m not saying they are a lock to crumble under the weight of expectations by any means, but it is going to be an adjustment for them. In the span of a few weeks they’ve completely transformed from the hunters to the hunted. They’ll need to continue to play football the same way regardless of the change in their title odds.</p>
<p>If they can do that, they have a great chance to push their fairy-tale over the finish line and win a Premier League title. If not, they could crash and burn down to Earth in an amazingly quick hurry.</p>
<p>The match-up against Arsenal should actually play into their hands. While the quality of the Gunners’ side is great, their possession based football will allow Leicester to naturally play their counter-attacking style. I think they’ll be in much more trouble when they have to dictate play against lesser opposition.<style>.theiaPostSlider_nav._lower {display: none !important}</style></p><div class="nextpost sm relatedstory amp-stories"><a class="location" href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/02/12/arsenal-versus-leicester-city-preview-5-key-points-to-watch/"https://playingfor90.com/2016/02/10/alexis-sanchez-isnt-convinced-of-arsenals-ambition/" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="related-story-shortcode">Related Story: <span class="amp-teaser">Alexis Sanchez isn't convinced of Arsenal's ambition</span></a></div>
<p>Still, the lights will burn brighter on the Foxes than ever before when they face Arsenal this weekend. It’ll be a huge opportunity for the Foxes to show the footballing world that they won’t shrink from the spotlight in the least.</p><!—pageview_candidate—>">
