Arsenal return to Premier League action with a trip to Leicester City on Sunday, let’s take a look at our predicted lineup for the clash.

wolverhampton wanderers v arsenal premier league 3
Arsenal lineup – Mikel Arteta has choices to make ahead of Leicester City vs Arsenal (Photo by Nick Potts – Pool/Getty Images)

After scraping through in the final minutes of their Europa League tie against Benfica, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal return their focus to domestic competition for a couple of games.

First up, they face Leicester City, on the back of the Foxes’ disappointing Europa League exit to SK Slavia Prague. Brendan Rodgers’ side will be looking to bounce back and consolidate their current spot in the top four.

With this game coming so soon after Thursday’s trip to Athens, you’d expect a few chances from Arteta. But he’ll know this is a tough game and likely stick with his starters wherever he thinks it’s safe to do so. Here’s our Arsenal predicted lineup.

Arsenal lineup – Goalkeeper

LONDON, ENGLAND: Bernd Leno of Arsenal celebrates with teammate Pablo Mari of Arsenal after making a penalty save during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on December 26, 2020. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Bernd Leno of Arsenal celebrates with teammate Pablo Mari of Arsenal after making a penalty save during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on December 26, 2020. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Bernd Leno didn’t make a save in the second leg against Benfica, but he had no chance with the goals and at least he avoided a red card after rushing out to try and salvage something following Dani Ceballos’ poor headed pass. He should keep his place.

Arsenal lineup – Defence

LONDON, ENGLAND: Cedric Soares of Arsenal is challenged by Raphinha of Leeds United during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Leeds United at Emirates Stadium on February 14, 2021. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Cedric Soares of Arsenal is challenged by Raphinha of Leeds United during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Leeds United at Emirates Stadium on February 14, 2021. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Largely, we’re expecting a similar back four to the one that played against Benfica. There’s no real necessity to drop Gabriel Magalhaes or David Luiz, but perhaps Kieran Tierney will drop out for Cedric Soares after his recent injury problems.

That only leaves Hector Bellerin (or Calum Chambers, perhaps) to start at right-back.

Arsenal lineup – Midfield

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 21: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on February 21, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on February 21, 2021. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Thomas Partey is fit again, but rushing him back into the starting lineup is ill-advised. Ceballos may well get an immediate shot at redemption after his midweek mistakes by starting again alongside Granit Xhaka instead.

Martin Odegaard has now made more starts in 11 days than he did in his final four months with Real Madrid. It may also be a good idea to give him a rest and let Emile Smith Rowe take over at 10 for this one. Smith Rowe came off early against Benfica.

Arsenal lineup – Forwards

Arsenal's French striker Alexandre Lacazette warms up ahead of the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on February 6, 2021. (Photo by Catherine Ivill / POOL / AFP)
Arsenal’s French striker Alexandre Lacazette warms up ahead of the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on February 6, 2021. (Photo by Catherine Ivill / POOL / AFP)

We’re predicting some changes at the front, given the recent busy schedule. Smith Rowe moving into the 10 position leaves a gap on the left, whilst Bukayo Saka and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang realistically need a rest.

Alexandre Lacazette can come in up front, with Nicolas Pepe on the right, but that leaves an opening on the left. Willian is likely to fill it, in the absence of the usual alternatives of Pepe, Saka, and Smith Rowe.

It won’t go down well with the Arsenal fans, but Willian had a decent cameo against Benfica and it seems like Arteta plans to use Gabriel Martinelli centrally rather than on the left.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Leicester City

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Leicester City created with Chosen11.com
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Leicester City created with Chosen11.com