18:19
The teams!
The team sheets have been handed in, and the key names tonight are these ones:
Arsenal: Leno, Bellerin, Luiz, Gabriel, Tierney, Ceballos, Xhaka, Thomas, Saka, Lacazette, Aubameyang. Subs: Runarsson, Maitland-Niles, Pepe, Mustafi, Elneny, Willock, Nketiah.
Leicester: Schmeichel, Fofana, Evans, Fuchs, Castagne, Tielemans, Mendy, Justin, Praet, Maddison, Barnes. Subs: Morgan, Vardy, Albrighton, Ward, Iheanacho, Under, Choudhury.
Referee: Craig Pawson.
16:37
Hello world!
Leicester haven’t won at Arsenal in any competition since 1973, and most recently lost to them in the Carabao Cup a month (and two days) ago. That strikes me as statistically unlikely. I mean, that is a seriously rubbish record, a history so dismal there is no sensible explanation except witchcraft. Arsenal haven’t lost a home league game in October in 32 matches since 2002, which also smells suspiciously like witchcraft. So though the teams start the game tied on nine points, the Gunners have history and some kind of magical protection charm in their favour.
In addition, the Foxes have lost their last two league matches, at home to West Ham and Aston Villa, which isn’t encouraging, though they did win their last away game at Manchester City, which is. At stake today is a place in the top four, which will be enjoyed by whoever wins the game, if indeed anyone does. Welcome!
Kick-off: 7.15pm GMT
Updated