One of the most anticipated fixtures of the Premier League sees defending champions Leicester City taking on Arsenal in the second gameweek of the season on Saturday. This is the first home game for Claudio Ranieri's side this season and they will be keen to register a win in front of their fans.
The Foxes had suffered a shock defeat in their opening game as they went down 1-2 to Hull City. None of the big stars except N'Golo Kante have left Leicester City this season and therefore, with the core team intact, no worries are expected to come for Ranieri.
Star player Riyad Mahrez has also signed a fresh four-year contract with the champions and forward Jamie Vardy and midfielder Danny Drinkwater too have decided to stay on. The club now needs to continue the momentum from last season so that they don't end up being a one-season wonder.
The retaining of Mahrez comes as a major sigh of relief for Leicester after top clubs from around the world, including Arsenal, chasing for his signature all summer. "We are now in the Champions League and we need something more to play against the big teams," said Ranieri in the pre-match presser.
"Now he knows what I want and my expectations are higher. Not only for Riyad, but for all my players," the Italian football manager sounded confident.
Arsenal, meanwhile, come into the game at the back of a 3-4 defeat against rivals Liverpool. The Gunners were poised to make some crucial signings this summer, but only managed to get the services of Granit Xhaka. With the summer transfer window still open for some more days, nothing can be ruled out.
Injury news: Leicester City: None.
Arsenal: Aaron Ramsey (hamstring), Alex Iwobi (thigh), Danny Welbeck, Per Mertesacker (both knee), Gabriel (ankle), Jenkinson (knee).
Expected starting XI: Leicester City: Schmeichel; Morgan, Huth, Simpson, Fuchs; Drinkwater, King; Mahrez, Okazaki, Gray; Vardy.
Arsenal: Cech; Chambers, Koscielny, Bellerin, Monreal; Cazorla, Xhaka; Walcott, Ozil, Sanchez; Giroud.
Leicester City vs Arsenal is scheduled to kick-off at 5:30 p.m. BST (10 p.m. IST, 12:30 p.m. EST) on Aug. 20.
Where to watch live
India: TV: Star Sports 4, Star Sports Select HD 1. Live streaming: starsports.com, Hotstar.
UK: TV: BT Sport 1, BT Sport 4k UHD. Live streaming: BT Sport Live.
USA: TV: CNBC. Live streaming: NBC Sports Live.
Thailand: TV: beIN Sports 1 HD. Live streaming: None.
