Arsenal must continue their recovery from a dip in form which saw them fall perilously close to losing their advantage over Manchester City. A resolute and fortunate Nottingham Forest side stole two points from Pep Guardiola whilst Mikel Arteta oversaw a dramatic late comeback against Aston Villa.
Up next for the Gunners is the trip to the east midlands to face Leicester City. Arsenal have won their last three visits to Brendan Rodgers' side but the Foxes looked to have had an upturn in form themselves prior to the defeat to Manchester United.
Arsenal are close to being back to full strength with hope Thomas Partey might be ready to travel and Gabriel Jesus’ return also nearing. Mikel Arteta has a big decision to make ahead of a period where his side will play seven games in just 23 days.
READ MORE: Jorginho provides Thomas Partey guarantee despite Arsenal injury boost ahead of Leicester trip
Luckily, football.london's Arsenal writers Tom Canton and Kaya Kaynak are on hand to offer their assistance to the Spanish tactician with regard to the big decision in attack. Below, they name their respective starting line-ups for the visitors to the King Power Stadium.
Tom Canton – Arsenal Writer
Despite the fact Arsenal came away with a win at Aston Villa, I wouldn’t mind seeing some changes to the eleven. Nothing too drastic but certainly enough to keep players on their toes ahead of a very busy schedule.
The back four can remain the same with consistency in this area typically the way to go. Matt Turner is sure to get chances again in the Europa League against Sporting CP so Aaron Ramsdale can continue his improved form.
Despite Thomas Partey’s potential readiness, I wouldn’t risk him and considering how good Jorginho has been Arteta need not anyway. However, Granit Xhaka’s form has dipped and it could be an opportunity to see Fabio Vieira come in to help take advantage of a leaky Leicester defence.
Eddie Nketiah missed another massive chance against Villa and I would like to see Leandro Trossard given the chance to operate up top and give the number 14 a rest considering he’s played every game since the World Cup. Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka on the flanks are obvious choices this time.
Canton’s Arsenal XI vs Leicester - Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Jorginho, Vieira, Odegaard; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
Kaya Kaynak – Chief Arsenal Writer
If I were Mikel Arteta I wouldn't want to make a crazy number of changes from the dramatic 4-2 win over Aston Villa.
Aaron Ramsdale is an obvious pick as are William Saliba and Gabriel, while Alex Zinchenko and Ben White both did enough to deserve starts with their Villa displays after coming close to being dropped for those games.
Even if Thomas Partey were fit I personally wouldn't risk rushing him back, particularly after how Jorginho played. There's Everton coming up in midweek too so plenty of chance for rotation then. I wouldn't look to drop Granit Xhaka this week although Fabio Vieira does seem to be getting close to a start. Martin Odegaard is another obvious pick meanwhile.
In the front line, it would be Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah as the obvious picks. The only change I'd make from last week is Gabriel Martinelli in for Leandro Trossard after a really impressive cameo from the Brazilian at Villa Park.
Kaynak's Arsenal XI vs Leicester - Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Jorginho, Xhaka, Odegaard, Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli.
Do you agree? Pick your XI below!
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