Leicester to put Europa League exit behind them
Leicester City and Arsenal experienced contrasting fortunes in the Europa League in midweek. The Foxes were surprisingly beaten at the King Power Stadium by Slavia Prague, whilst the Gunners eventually overcame Portuguese giants Benfica late on, courtesy of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Back in domestic competition however, there is a big gulf between the sides, and the hosts enjoy a 15 point gap in their favour. They'll be without James Maddison and several other first team players, but still look the stronger team at present. Read our preview here:
Barnes rapping for England?
Talks are still ongoing behind the scenes at governing body UEFA as to how and where exactly Euro 2020 will take place this summer. Rumours persist that a reversion back to one country hosting the tournament is being mooted, and even taking into account the Kent variant mutation of COVID-19, as well as the overall death rate, England would be the only viable alternative to the trans-Europe extravaganza originally planned. Whether that happens or not, one person who should be representing the Three Lions is Leicester City playmaker Harvey Barnes. Arguably even more effective than teammate James Maddison in a blue shirt this campaign, his end product and utility should make force him to be in national team boss Gareth Southgate's plans. Without Maddison, Brendan Rodgers could bring in Nampalys Mendy, which would be a more conservative switch. This would though make it exceedingly difficult for Thomas Partey to break forwards from deep for Arsenal, as well as potentially reining in Real Madrid loanee Martin Ødegaard, should the Norwegian midfielder get the nod.
Pierre or a stone?
Aubameyang is a strange player to really nail down in 2020/2021. For every occasion he can pull off a hat-trick and look fleet of foot, there are plenty of others where he has appeared to be little more than a manager. However, since the introduction of Emile Smith-Rowe was ramped up, he has had to come deep for the ball less often, and whilst his overall goal tally is still fairly low considering his stature and the club he plays for, it has certainly gained a much better complexion to it in recent games. The three behind him are all mobile, especially Bukayo Saka, but their efficacy will hinge on how much Leicester allow their adversaries to have the ball, or whether Partey can link up the two units in the five-man midfield.
Chasing the Foxes
The victory over Leeds United aside, February has been a really poor month domestically for Mikel Arteta. They sit nine points behind Chelsea for the last automatic European qualification spot, and that would be for the very much secondary UEFA club competition. Their best chance of being in the hat next season is to win the one they remain in, and conversely, their continuing participation in an already packed schedule reduces their prospects at finding form to go back up the league. They have now lost more than they've won, and it's hard to see that changing on Sunday lunchtime. Leicester are priced at 2.50 by Betfair to tighten their grip on a Champions League spot.
