Leicester City - Arsenal Preview: Can Claudio Ranieri's men stay undefeated?

After starting the season in fantastic fashion, Claudio Ranieri and his Leicester City team go up against Arsene Wenger and Arsenal on Saturday afternoon at the King Power Stadium.

Having already picked up 12 points out of a possible 18 so far this season, the Foxes are by no stretch the underdogs for this particular clash in the Midlands. With a buoyant home crowd and immense pressure already on the Gunners, it seems as though we are in for a compelling clash.

Tough game for Ranieri and co.

Despite Leicester's recent astounding form, the clash against the North-Londoners will be anything but straight-forward. In 133 matches, stretching all the way back to 1895 (where Woolwich Arsenal met Leicester Fosse at Filbert Street), the Foxes have only managed to gain 28 victories in all competitions.

As a matter of fact, Leicester's last victory over Arsene Wenger's men occurred over 20 years ago on the 24th of November 1994. That day, a strike from David Lowe and a David Seaman own-goal settled the match and gifted Brian Little's team the three points, a feat that the current crop of Leicester players will be hoping to emulate.

However, regardless of the Gunner's relative domination of this fixture in the past, there have been some amazing memories for the King Power Stadium faithful. A certain clash in 1997 immediately springs to mind when Arsenal are on the horizon. In this clash, a recently-appointed Arsene Wenger learnt about the tough reality of the Premier League.

Roared on by inspirational captain Steve Walsh, Leicester City managed to secure a point against the Gunners as they scored three goals within six second-half minutes at the end of the game. Following a Dennis Bergkamp brace, the Foxes responded as they pulled a goal back in the 84th minute. In a familiar story, Martin O'Neill's men then drew level via talented striker Emile Heskey.

Nevertheless, any hope that fans possessed was soon dashed as Dutchman Bergkamp completed his hat-trick deep into stoppage time and seemingly stole the three points for the Gunners. But, Leicester were not to be denied as long-serving defender Matt Elliott scored with the last kick of the game to complete a dramatic and awe-inspiring night at Filbert Street.

Is the Champions League realistic?

While most, if not all, Foxes fans are delighted with the current position of fourth that their team has managed to secure, a few will still want more. If Claudio Ranieri's men can overcome their Capital counterparts, there is reason to believe that something special could happen at the King Power Stadium this season.

Coming into this match, Leicester are undefeated in 10 Barclays Premier League games (a club record). However, with Arsenal being the club's first real top-class test this campaign, it will be interesting to see how Claudio Ranieri reacts to a team brimming with stars such as Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Petr Cech.

On the other hand, Ranieri and his team have constantly remained grounded despite their outstanding start to the new season. Constantly referencing the magical '40 points' usually needed to avoid relegation, the Italian boss is extremely focused on his target and will not let his team become enveloped in some lofty ambitions of a handful of supporters.

Meanwhile, it is yet again Frenchman Arsene Wenger's expectation to reach the top table of European football. Having spent in excess of £100m over the past couple of seasons, supporters will be keen to spend another year in the Champions League in addition to the club's 18 consecutive appearances in the competition under their long-serving manager.

Team News

As always, it appears to be Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez that will be the key man for Leicester yet again. The former Le Havre forward again got his name on the scoresheet in the club's comeback 2-2 draw against Stoke City. In the same game he also bagged himself an assist, already taking his season tally to five goals and three assists.

Another French-born player that could be crucial for the Foxes is midfield destroyer N'Golo Kante. Having only signed in the summer from Ligue 1 outfit SM Caen for a reported fee of only £4.7m, he has already endeared himself to fans greatly. Agile, quick, strong in the tackle and versatile, Kante has seamlessly slipped into the Leicester XI and looks a great buy from Ranieri and his scouts.

On the other hand, the rest of the team may prove impossible to pick for the ex-Monaco and Juventus boss. The Italian revealed in his pre-match press conference that it was 'difficult' following an excellent win over West Ham United mid-week. Christian Fuchs, Marc Albrighton, Yohan Benalouane, Leonardo Ulloa and Andy King (among others) all put in stellar performances against the Hammers and will all be striving for a start on Saturday afternoon.

However, there are two players that will not be available for selection against the Gunners. Matty James is still recovering from a long-term injury sustained last season and may not be back for some time. Whilst, Nathan Dyer still appears doubtful following an knee injury.

Nevertheless, one winger who may yet make an appearance at the King Power Stadium is former Barcelona frontman Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean has good history in the Midlands, having managed to score his maiden Premier League goal in last season's 1-1 stalemate and is a player that Ranieri's team will have to keep a close eye on for the full 90 minutes.

But, there may also be a surprise inclusion for the Gunners as Frenchman Mathieu Flamini has seemingly forced his way into the reckoning. The veteran midfielder scored a brace against bitter North-London rivals Tottenham Hotspur mid-week to secure Arsenal's progression into the fourth round of the Capital One Cup.

It seems that the ex-AC Milan man could be a perfect option to line-up against the returning Santi Cazorla in place of the injured Francis Coquelin who remains a doubt following a knee injury.