Arsenal host Leicester City at The Emirates on Tuesday evening in a pivotal game for both sides.
Mikel Arteta's side have been buoyed by their recent victory over Champions League hopefuls Wolverhampton Wanderers, while their 2-1 victory over Sheffield United last week saw them through to the FA Cup semi-finals.
As for the Foxes, their poor run of form came to an end over the weekend as they cruised to a 3-0 demolishing of Crystal Palace – and a game which saw Jamie Vardy hit an impressive milestone of 100 Premier League goals.
However, best to say it won't be the time for Vardy to celebrate the personal achievement yet, as the Gunners will be eyeing to close their gap on Leicester in the search of European football.
The visitors' poor form of late has somewhat opened the door for the chasing pack below them, although a victory and a league double over Arsenal will all but cement their Champions League dreams and put the nail on the coffin for the Gunners hope of European football as they have no margin for error left.
One aspect of his team that Leicester coach Brendan Rodgers will hope to change is their away record. The Foxes have failed to win any of their previous five away games in the top-flight, with two of those matches coming in empty stadiums.
One facet of the home sides play that has improved immensely under Arteta has been their defence. Before the Spaniard's arrival, the Gunners looked highly vulnerable at the back. However, there has been a noticeable improvement at the back from the north London outfit, including keeping clean sheets in their previous three league outings.
Married to those good defensive displays has been their potent attack, which has seen the Gunners score at least twice in their last three league outings. Things are certainly starting to look more promising for the home side.
Arsenal have beaten Leicester in the last eight matches on home soil in all competitions. They will fancy their chances of making that nine straight home victories against the Foxes.
Predicted lineup
Arsenal: Martinez; Mustafi, Luiz, Holding; Cedric, Xhaka, Ceballos, Maitland-Niles; Aubameyang, Saka, Lacazette.
Leicester: Schmeichel; Justin, Evans, Soyuncu, Fuchs; Albrighton, Tielemans, Ndidi, Barnes; Iheanacho, Vardy.
Score prediction
If you have been following my predictions lately, I did go for Arsenal to beat Wolves and I'm going to go for another Gunners’ victory. Once again i've been really impressed with Mikel Arteta as of late and I think he's got this Arsenal team rolling and playing at their peak. Despite their victory at the weekend, the Foxes have been in poor form as of late and I'm expecting Aubameyang and co to do damage.
Match Preview written by Jordan Hall.
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