Arsenal started off their 2016-2017 Premier League campaign with a defeat against Liverpool at the Emirates stadium. Although the Gunners scored three goals, they were outscored as Coutinho and Mane put Wenger’s young defense to the sword. Wenger is under severe pressure right now to bring in a couple of quality players, especially a central defender and striker. Next up Arsenal will travel to Leicester to face the champions on Saturday. Wenger will be wary of the Foxes after their stellar last season. Holding and Chambers will need to be at their best if they want to keep the likes of Vardy and Mahrez quiet. Here is the predicted Arsenal starting XI that might start at the King Power Stadium.
Goalkeeper: Petr Cech
Not a good start to the season for the former Chelsea keeper. With a young defense line in front of him, it will be crucial that he is solid between the sticks, otherwise, Arsenal could be torn apart.
Defenders: Nacho Monreal, Bellerin, Chambers and Holding
Poor Holding, he wouldn’t have imagined his debut coming so close when he made the move to Arsenal in the summer. Koscielny might come on the bench, but it is unlikely Wenger will risk the Frenchman after the injury to Ramsey. Therefore Holding will again start in central defense alongside Chambers. The duo will be supported by Bellerin on the right side and Monreal on the left side. The Spanish left-back was one of the players of the season for Arsenal. Bellerin will crucial in releasing some pressure from the wings. His pace could be one of the major threats to Leicester City.
Midfielders: Granit Xhaka, Coquelin, Chamberlain, Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla
Wenger will most likely be without Ramsey, who picked up a thigh injury against Liverpool. He was going on well when the injury shortened his time. Santi Cazorla will take his place as the number 10, with Walcott on the right wing. After a superb summer, Chamberlain definitely deserves to start. His goal against Liverpool was a moment of magic. He will start on the left wing. Elneny might be dropped for this one, with new signing Xhaka coming in. Coquelin will continue in central midfield. Xhala was guilty of a number of fouls in the short time he spent on the pitch against Liverpool, therefore he will need to watch out and stay focused in this one.
Striker: Alexis Sanchez
Wenger might give Giroud some extra rest, which would mean Alexis Sanchez continues up front. The Chilian didn’t have the best day against Liverpool but if there is one player, who is capable of changing a game any second, it’s the former Barcelona forward.
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