Match Preview Leicester City vs Arsenal – Key Battles and Lineups
Arsenal hit the road to face Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on February 15, in what promises to be a thrilling Premier League encounter. With the Gunners pushing to stay in the title race and Leicester battling to secure vital points, this fixture carries significant importance for both sides. Match Preview Leicester City vs Arsenal – we’ve got you covered with the latest team news, lineups, and key battles to watch as Arteta’s men look to claim all three points away from home.
Match Details
| Fixture | Leicester City vs Arsenal |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, February 15, 2025 |
| Kick-off Time | 12:30 PM GMT |
| Venue | King Power Stadium, Leicester |
| Competition | Premier League |
| Referee | Samuel Barrott |
| VAR | Paul Tierney |
| TV Channel (UK) | TNT Sports |
| Live Stream | Discovery+ |
Fans can tune in for live coverage from 11:00 AM GMT on TNT Sports, while streaming will be available via Discovery+.
Team News & Injury Updates
Arsenal
Arsenal is currently managing a significant injury crisis affecting several key players:
- Gabriel Jesus: Suffered an ACL injury in his left knee during the match against Manchester United on January 14, 2025. He is expected to be sidelined until November 22, 2025.
- Bukayo Saka: Sustained a thigh injury, with a projected return in the coming weeks of March.
- Ben White: Underwent knee surgery in November 2024. Initially expected to return by February 2, 2025, he has made a swift recovery and has resumed full training. Manager Mikel Arteta is considering including him in the squad for the upcoming match against Leicester City.
- Takehiro Tomiyasu: Recovering from a long-term knee injury; his return date remains uncertain.
- Gabriel Martinelli: Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli faces more than a month out after suffering a hamstring injury during his side’s Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle.
Additionally, forward Kai Havertz has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a hamstring injury requiring surgery.
Leicester City
Leicester City is also contending with injuries to key players:
- Issahaku Fatawu: Suffered an ACL injury in November 2024, ruling him out for the rest of the season.
- Ricardo Pereira: Sustained a serious muscle injury in November 2024, expected to sideline him for 3-4 months.
Both teams will need to adjust their strategies to compensate for these absences in the upcoming match.
Lineups
Arsenal (4-3-3)
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | David Raya |
| RB | Jurrien Timber |
| CB | William Saliba |
| CB | Gabriel |
| LB | Myles Lewis-Skelly |
| CDM | Thomas Partey |
| CM | Martin Odegaard |
| CM | Declan Rice |
| RW | Raheem Sterling |
| ST | Ethan Nwaneri |
| LW | Leandro Trossard |
Leicester City (4-2-3-1)
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Mads Hermansen |
| RB | Victor Kristiansen |
| CB | Wout Faes |
| CB | Caleb Okoli |
| LB | James Justin |
| CDM | Wilfred Ndidi |
| CDM | Boubakary Soumare |
| RW | Bobby De Cordova-Reid |
| CAM | Bilal El Khannouss |
| LW | Jordan Ayew |
| ST | Jamie Vardy |
Key Battles That Could Decide the Match
Gabriel vs Vardy
The battle between Arsenal’s defensive anchor Gabriel and Leicester’s leading forward Vardy will be crucial in determining which side gains the upper hand in the final third.
Rice vs Soumare
The midfield contest will likely set the tempo for the match. Control in this area will dictate whether Arsenal can dominate possession or if Leicester can break up play and hit on the counter.
Ayew vs Timber
Defending against pace and trickery on the flanks will be vital. The wide areas could be key to unlocking the opposition’s defense, making this duel one to watch.
Sterling vs Justin
Arsenal’s attacking presence on the wings has been a key weapon this season. How Leicester’s James Justin handles the pressure will have a significant impact on the game’s outcome.
Raya vs Vardy
Raya’s shot-stopping and composure under pressure could make all the difference, especially if the match becomes a tight affair. Both goalkeepers will need to be at their best.
Tactical Analysis – How Arsenal Could Approach This
Mikel Arteta is likely to stick with his possession-based, high-pressing approach, aiming to control the tempo from the first whistle. Arsenal will look to dominate the ball, circulating possession through the midfield while stretching Leicester’s defence with overlapping full-backs and wide wingers.
Key Tactical Points:
- High Line & Press: Arsenal will press Leicester aggressively in their defensive third, forcing mistakes and capitalizing on turnovers. Arteta’s side has thrived when pinning opponents back, and this approach could exploit Leicester’s vulnerabilities under pressure.
- Overloads in Wide Areas: The full-backs (inverted or overlapping depending on personnel) will look to combine with the wingers and midfielders, creating overloads to break down Leicester’s defensive block. This could be particularly effective if Leicester sits deep.
- Control Through the Pivot: Thomas Partey is expected to anchor the midfield, providing defensive cover while dictating play. His role will be pivotal in shielding the backline and quickly transitioning from defence to attack.
- Exploiting Transitions: While Arsenal prefers to control possession, they are equally dangerous in transition. Quick breaks led by the attacking trio could expose Leicester, especially if the home side commits bodies forward.
- Defensive Focus: Arsenal will need to stay wary of Leicester’s pace on the counterattack. Maintaining defensive discipline, especially from set-pieces and when defending quick breaks, will be vital to securing all three points.
Arteta’s men are likely to push for an early goal to avoid the game becoming a tense affair, particularly away from home. However, patience will also be crucial if Leicester adopts a low block, with creative spark from midfield and movement in the final third needed to unlock the defence.
Gunners Hub Fan Poll
Who will be Arsenal’s key player against Leicester City?
- 🗳️ Ethan Nwaneri
- 🗳️ Declan Rice
- 🗳️ Martin Ødegaard
- 🗳️ Gabriel Magalhães
Vote below and join the discussion in the comments!
👇👇👇
Score Prediction
Leicester City 0-1 Arsenal
With several key attackers sidelined due to injury, Arsenal may find it difficult to create clear-cut chances and convert them into goals. The absence of players like Kai Havertz and Martinelli could limit the Gunners’ cutting edge in the final third. However, Mikel Arteta’s side should have no problem controlling possession and dictating the tempo, thanks to their dominant midfield led by Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard.
Defensively, Arsenal has been one of the most solid units in the league, and with Gabriel and William Saliba likely to marshal the backline, Leicester’s attacking threats could be neutralized. Expect a tight affair, with Arsenal eventually grinding out a narrow victory, perhaps from a set-piece or a moment of individual quality.
How to Watch Leicester vs Arsenal
Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025
Kick-off Time: 12:30 PM GMT
Venue: King Power Stadium, Leicester
TV Channel (UK)
- TNT Sports – Coverage starts from 11:00 AM GMT.
Live Stream (UK)
- Discovery+ – Available for subscribers via the app or website.
International Viewing Options
| Country | Broadcaster/Streaming Service |
|---|---|
| USA | NBC Sports / Peacock |
| Canada | fuboTV |
| Australia | Optus Sport |
| India | Star Sports / Disney+ Hotstar |
| Nigeria | SuperSport |
(Check local listings as coverage may vary by region.)
Arsenal Matchday Coverage
- Arsenal.com – Live text commentary and post-match analysis.
Don’t miss a minute of the action – COYG! 🚀🔴⚪️
Final Thoughts
As Arsenal prepares for a challenging away trip to the King Power Stadium, securing all three points will be crucial to maintain their momentum in the title race. With injuries depleting the attack, Mikel Arteta’s side may need to grind out a narrow victory, relying on defensive stability and midfield control to see them through.
Leicester City, fighting to climb the table, will undoubtedly pose a threat, particularly on the counterattack. However, Arsenal’s quality in possession and defensive resilience should give them the edge.
Fans will be hoping for Ben White’s return to provide a boost, while rising stars like Ethan Nwaneri could step up to fill the attacking void.
What’s your prediction for the match?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation with fellow Gooners!
🔴⚪ COYG!