Chris Waddle has predicted a goalfest in Saturday’s Premier League showdown between Leicester and Arsenal which could have a huge bearing on the race for the top four.
Under-pressure Gunners boss Unai Emery has admitted Saturday’s clash is “a must-win” for his side, who are currently in fifth place, six points behind third-placed Leicester.
Arsenal have not won in their last three Premier League games, while Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes won 2-0 at Crystal Palace last time out on the back of their stunning 9-0 demolition of Southampton two weeks ago.
Leicester also have the league’s top scorer in Jamie Vardy, who has 10 from the first 11 games.
Arsenal also have a potent attack led by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, but considering the Gunners’ well documented problems in defence, former Tottenham ace Chris Waddle expects plenty of goals in Saturday’s teatime kick-off.
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“The Gunners have got issues defensively and Leicester have so many threats going forward that there will be chances, probably at both ends,” Waddle told the Racing Post .
“I love what Brendan Rodgers is doing at Leicester and can only see them carrying on their good work by beating Arsenal. Arsenal will give as good as they get, but I predict a 4-2 Leicester win.”
A win for Arsenal would be a timely boost to their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League, putting them within three points of the top four, with rivals Tottenham and Manchester United struggling.
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But three points for the Foxes would be a huge statement of intent from Rodgers’ squad that they can upset the traditional big six this season and return to the Champions League.
It would open up a nine-point gap over Arsenal, with fourth-placed Chelsea also having the chance to extend their advantage to six points when they host Crystal Palace earlier in the day.
Rodgers has been touted as a potential successor to Emery in the Arsenal hotseat as pressure grows on the Gunners boss following his team’s inconsistent form. The former Liverpool manager has also been linked with a future move to United.
