83 days later, the moment we've all been waiting patiently for is upon us, the Premier League is back as Arsenal take on Leicester City.
The Gunners have made an early statement this season, beating reigning champions Chelsea last Sunday in the Community Shield. They'll be eager to prove their critics wrong after a sub-par 2016/17 campaign, finishing 5th. The Foxes, on the other hand, will be pushing for more glory, hoping to compete with the top 6.
Team News
Advert
In typical Arsenal fashion, they'll be missing key players through injury. Mesut Ozil (knee) and Alexis Sanchez is out for a fortnight through a groin strain.
With key players sidelined, new signing, Alexandre Lacazette, will be centre of the spotlight. He gave us a glimpse of what he's capable of over pre-season, scoring 2 goals for the Gunners in fixtures against Sydney and Sevilla. The Frenchman is tipped to be Arsenal's top goalscorer this season at 10/11 (Bet Victor).
After not replicating the heights of their 'glory season' last campaign, Leicester currently sit at 10/11 for a bottom half finish, however, we all know Leicester don't back down to expectations. It will be interesting to see how they perform with new signings Iheanacho, Iborra and Maguire.
There's been a lot of speculation around Riyad Mahrez as Roma have been looking to swoop the Moroccan away for a fee of around £40m, whether he will be in the starting XI or not is yet to be seen. If he starts, Leicester could pose a real threat in attack.
Advert
Odds
(Bet Victor)
Advert
Arsenal win: 1/2
Draw: 18/5
Leicester City: 11/2
Prediction
Although Arsenal are missing Ozil and Sanchez, I feel they will still be too strong for Leicester at home. However Leicester will be looking to start the season on a high so won't go down without a fight. New signing Kelechi Iheanacho is a proven goalscorer in the Premier League and alongside Jamie Vardy they could cause Arsenal some problems and should be capable of scoring on the night.
Advert
I've gone for Arsenal 2-1 Leicester.
Recommended Bets
Arsenal win: 1/2
Lacazette 1st goal scorer: 16/5
Arsenal 2-1: 15/2
Advert
