Arsenal is set to take on Leicester City in a crucial Premier League showdown this Saturday at King Power Stadium, with a golden opportunity to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool. As Week 25 kicks off, the Gunners will be looking to capitalize on this matchup against a struggling Leicester side, currently fighting to escape the bottom three. Can Arsenal secure a vital three points, or will Leicester defy the odds and grab a much-needed win at home?
How to Watch Leicester City vs. Arsenal Live
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Kick-off Time: 7:30 AM ET, Saturday (February 15)
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Venue: King Power Stadium, Leicester
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TV Channel: USA Network
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Streaming: Watch live online via NBC.com
Match Preview: Leicester vs. Arsenal
The Gunners are coming off a 14-game unbeaten streak in the league, but their recent League Cup exit left them seeking redemption. Their training camp in the Middle East was marred by an unfortunate season-ending injury to star forward Kai Havertz. Despite this setback, Arsenal remains a formidable force, and with the return of Martin Odegaard leading the midfield, they will be looking to break down Leicester's defense.
For Leicester, this match is a chance to claw their way out of the relegation zone. They haven’t won a Premier League game at home since December 3, when they defeated West Ham United. Their only bright spot in recent weeks was a victory over Tottenham Hotspur in Week 23, securing their only points in their last nine matches. The Foxes will need a spirited performance to upset the title-chasing Arsenal side.
Arsenal Lineup and Team News
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Starting XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Trossard, Sterling
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Out: Kai Havertz (hamstring), Gabriel Jesus (knee), Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee), Gabriel Martinelli (hamstring)
With Havertz, Saka, and Jesus all sidelined, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has opted to start Leandro Trossard in a central role, flanked by Ethan Nwaneri on the right and Raheem Sterling on the left. With limited attacking options available, the Gunners will need these three to find chemistry quickly.
Leicester City Lineup and Team News
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Starting XI: Hermansen; Justin, Faes, Okoli, Kristiansen; Ndidi, Soumare; Ayew, El Khannouss, De Cordova Reid; Vardy
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Out: Ricardo Pereira (thigh), Abdul Fatawu (knee - out for season)
Veteran forward Jamie Vardy will spearhead the Leicester attack, while Wilfred Ndidi and Soumare provide defensive stability in midfield. James Justin’s injury sees Coulibaly stepping in at right-back, making his home debut. The Foxes will be hoping their defensive resilience can frustrate Arsenal and create counter-attacking opportunities.
Live Match Updates: Leicester City vs. Arsenal
Bright Start for Leicester
Leicester came out strong, dictating possession and attacking down the left flank early. The Foxes look confident in front of their home crowd and are making Arsenal work hard to retain possession.
Ndidi Proving to Be a Wall in Midfield
As the second half gets underway, Arsenal has begun to find openings, but Wilfred Ndidi continues to be a defensive rock. He’s made crucial tackles to break up Arsenal’s attacks, particularly neutralizing the dangerous runs of Declan Rice from midfield.
First Half Ends Scoreless: Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
The first half saw limited goal-scoring opportunities, with Arsenal managing just one shot on target. Ethan Nwaneri has been the standout performer, showing creativity, but Leicester’s defense has held firm. Meanwhile, Ndidi came close to scoring twice, keeping the Gunners on edge.
Ndidi Heads Just Wide!
Just before halftime, Leicester applied sustained pressure, resulting in a dangerous cross that found Ndidi in the box. He climbed high but narrowly glanced his header wide of the far post—so close to breaking the deadlock!
Justin Off, Coulibaly On
Leicester suffered an early setback as James Justin, who had been struggling, was forced to come off. New signing Coulibaly stepped in for his home debut at right-back. His first major test? Keeping Arsenal’s Raheem Sterling quiet.
Arsenal Struggling to Find Fluency
Despite their dominance in possession, Arsenal’s attack has lacked fluidity. Sterling has been caught offside multiple times, and the Gunners seem unable to break down Leicester’s defensive shape. Their play has been described as "flat as a pancake."
Rice’s Header Misses the Mark
Ethan Nwaneri has been one of Arsenal’s bright spots, delivering a beautiful cross into the box. Declan Rice arrived perfectly, but his header drifted wide. There were shouts for a corner, as it looked like a Leicester defender got a touch, but the referee waved play on.
Leicester Threatens Again—Ndidi Denied by Raya
Leicester continues to push, and another dangerous cross from the left found Ndidi, who struck a powerful volley. However, Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was equal to the task, making a comfortable save to keep the game level.
Arsenal Finding Their Groove
As the match progresses, Arsenal is beginning to settle into a rhythm. Nwaneri is popping up in dangerous areas, and Odegaard is pulling the strings. A lofted pass found Trossard in the box, but the Belgian was flagged offside, and his tame shot was easily saved.
Match Prediction: Can Leicester Hold Off Arsenal?
Despite Leicester's solid start, Arsenal’s quality and attacking depth should eventually wear them down. Even with key injuries, the Gunners possess enough firepower to secure a victory. Martin Odegaard’s creativity in midfield could be the key to unlocking Leicester’s defense. Expect a close battle, but Arsenal should edge this one out.
Final Prediction: Leicester City 1-2 Arsenal
With both teams having plenty to play for—Arsenal chasing Liverpool at the top and Leicester desperate to avoid relegation—this game promises to be a fascinating encounter. Can Leicester pull off an upset, or will Arsenal prove too strong? Tune in to find out!
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