Arsenal will host Leicester City in Saturday’s Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, following contrasting EFL Cup victories for both teams.
Arsenal demolished Bolton Wanderers 5-1 on Wednesday, with teenagers Jack Porter and Ethan Nwaneri making significant contributions. Porter, at 16, became Arsenal’s youngest-ever men’s team starter, while Nwaneri scored twice. Raheem Sterling, Kai Havertz, and Declan Rice also found the net.
Leicester City, meanwhile, needed a penalty shootout to overcome League Two’s Walsall, with goalkeeper Danny Ward saving three spot-kicks.
Arsenal currently sit fourth in the Premier League, two points behind leaders Manchester City. The Gunners are unbeaten this season and boast a 70% win rate in 2024, matching their best calendar year performance from 1932.
Leicester, one of six teams still seeking their first Premier League win this season, are 15th in the table. The Foxes have never gone six games without a victory at the start of a Premier League campaign, except in their 2022-23 relegation season.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces selection challenges due to injuries. David Raya is doubtful with a muscular issue, while Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kieran Tierney, and Oleksandr Zinchenko are sidelined. Leandro Trossard returns from suspension.
Leicester have fewer injury concerns, with only Patson Daka, Jannik Vestergaard, and Jakub Stolarczyk unavailable. Jamie Vardy, who has 11 goals in 16 games against Arsenal, is expected to start.
Arsenal have won their last five Premier League encounters with Leicester and are unbeaten in 39 home games against newly-promoted teams.