Paul Merson reveals prediction for Arsenal v Leicester City season opener

Arsenal host Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium tonight in the 2017-18 Premier League season’s opening game.

The Gunners have strengthened their squad over the summer following the signings of Alexandre Lacazette and Sead Kolašinac.

Leicester City have also improved their squad after bringing in the talented young striker Kelechi Iheanacho.

Former Arsenal legend Paul Merson believes Arsenal will get off to a winning start this season. The SkySports pundit has predicted a narrow 2-1 victory for the Gunners.

“You’re never too sure what you’re going to get with Arsenal but they looked good against Chelsea in the Community Shield, despite being without Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil,” Paul Merson told SkySports.

“Kelechi Iheanacho has come to Leicester for a lot of money and, having predominantly come off the bench at Manchester City, it will be interesting to see if he can have an impact from the start for the Foxes.

“Whether he does or not, I expect Arsenal to win, but only just.”

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Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil is an injury doubt going into tonight’s clash. The 28-year-old missed last weekends win over Chelsea due to an ankle injury. Ozil was however present in first-team training on Thursday.

Alexis Sanchez – who is yet to feature for Arsenal since their FA Cup win last season – will miss tonight’s game with an abdominal injury. Laurent Koscielny meanwhile is ruled out with a suspension he picked up last term.