Preview: Arsenal v Leicester City

Posted Saturday, February 13, 2016 by foxsportsasia.com

The Gunners currently trail the Foxes by five points in the league standings, having ended a four-match winless streak with a 2-0 victory at Bournemouth last weekend, while the Foxes made it three wins on the bounce following a 3-1 triumph over fellow title hopefuls Manchester City.

As such, pundits and fans alike have suggested that a Leicester win on Sunday would further strengthen the Foxes' title prospects while also silencing their doubters.

On the team news front, Arsenal have no new injury concerns ahead of the clash, with long-term injury victims Tomas Rosicky, Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere the only confirmed absentees.

Defensive midfielder Francis Coquelin will be hoping for a starting berth after recently returning from injury.

Striker Danny Welbeck has also returned to training following a long-term absence, but may have to be content with a place on the bench.

Looking ahead to the clash, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said: "They are in a position still where they think that they have nothing to lose. But once you're on top of the league you can think that now you can lose what you have.

"And that's where the nerves come in a little bit. I don't know how they will respond to that.

"I believe there is still a long way to go. It was very important for us to win (last) Sunday and I think we are back to our normal level."

Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri, meanwhile, is expected to name an unchanged starting line-up.

Jeff Schlupp and Matty James remain on the treatment table and are the only confirmed absentees for the Foxes.

When asked whether his side was starting to feel the pressure that comes with sitting atop the Premier League pile, Ranieri said: "The pressure's on the others. Tell me why we have pressure?

"Why must I feel pressure? We just continue to dream with our fans.

"This time I hope the bookmakers are right. They're just words though, not points. Give me points!"