26th April 2017 Kickoff: 1945hrs Arsenal v Leicester City – Football – England – Premier League Sunday’s win over Arsenal in the semi final of the FA Cup was a rare opportunity for Arsenal supporters to enjoy, this season, and means they will contest their third FA Cup final in four season when taking on Chelsea next month. The Gunners’ attention must now revert back to the Premier League though, as they bid to finish in the top four. It’s nearing the stage where Arsenal will have to win out if they are to lift themselves in the Champions League positions and will hope to continue the good feeling from their cup exploits by taking a much needed three points against Leicester at the Emirates on Wednesday.
Speculation has raged over the past few months around Arsene Wenger’s future and although reaching the FA Cup final is an achievement, it is unlikely to sway the minds of the majority of the support who feel let down by their club’s performances in the Champions League and Premier League. They have a seven point gap to make up on Manchester City in the battle for fourth but Arsenal do have a game in hand. In addition to winning their own game, Wenger will be aware of the importance of the Manchester derby which is played on Thursday as United are also ahead of Arsenal in the battle for fourth. Three points for the home team at the Emirates and a draw at the Etihad would be the perfect few days for Arsenal.
Leicester City’s Champions League fairytale came to an end last weekend as they could only muster a 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in a second leg they had to win. It was a gallant defeat for the Foxes but they will know themselves that they can ill afford to be distracted from the immediate aim of securing their Premier League status as soon as possible. The situation is nowhere near as perilous as it was a few weeks ago following five straight league wins but the form of the teams below them means they will need at least three more points to guarantee safety. It would be a big surprise if they are unable to gain those points with seven games left, but their run in is not as favourable as others so will look to avoid a nervy end to the season by securing them promptly.
Arsenal v Leicester City Betting Tip
Arsenal were the only team to do the double over Leicester last season over the Foxes but it was not enough to stop them winning the title. Neither team have that aim on their agenda this term but it does not detract from the importance of this game, particularly for Arsenal. It is simply a must win for Wenger’s team, especially in the knowledge that should they take three points then they will make up points on one – if not both – of the Manchester clubs who sit above them.
Arsenal will have restored some much needed confidence from their win over City at the weekend and although there are still issues that need resolved, it should help them towards following that up by getting another win on Wednesday. I would not put anybody off backing the home side to win the game but fancy a more speculative bet on Arsenal to win and for there to be three or more goals scored in the game – it’s a bet that has landed seven times at the Emirates this season so the odds against represents good value.
Arsenal to win and over 2.5 goals 11/1o @ Betfair
