Leicester v Arsenal
We don't do too much business int he Premier League - typically loitering around just below the surface and playing the EFL and National Leagues domestically, and a similar level in Scotland but this weekend's battle between Leicester and Arsenal just feels like value, and I can't resist getting stuck in.
After the opening 11 matches, Leicester have picked up 23 points to Arsenal's 17, and missing out on Europe this season looks to have really helped the Foxes. At home, a 4-1-0 record which has seen them bank as 12-3 F/A record as well has given them a solid platform to build from, while away they have won three of their seven matches, and drawn a further three for a 15/5 F/A record. Overall they have scored 27 goals for just eight against, with a solid squad throughout.
Ayoze Perez has proved a perfect partner for Vardy, who now top-scores in the division with 10, while Youri Tielemans and James Maddison are a truly solid midfield pairing. With Ndidi behind them, and Caglar Soyuncu forming an excellent pairing with Jonny Evans, they have a superb spine. Depth could be a problem later in the season, but right now things look excellent.
Now to Arsenal. Umai Emery is definitely living on borrowed time now, having lost the crowd, and seemingly the dressing room too.
They have already played three more games this season than Leicester, and come back from a midweek trip to Guimares which was played on Wednesday. Plenty of players were rested in that one of course, but several of those at least made the trip out there.
In 17 matches, Arsenal have kept just five clean sheets, but when you look at who those came against it hardly instills confidence - Newcaslte and Bournemouth in the Premier League, Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup and Standard Liege and Eintrach Frankfurt in the Europa League.
In the Premier League they have already conceded 15 goals in 11 matches, while scoring 16, and their away form reads 1-2-2.
Leicester are in much better shape in every department this season, and are rightly favourites in this one.
2pts Leicester to beat Arsenal at evens (General)