Former Premier League forward Michael Owen has expressed his affection for Arsenal youngster Bukayo Saka. He stated that the winger will be a key player in the match against Leicester City in the Premier League on Sunday.
Owen also praised Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard as they continue to perform consistently for the North London club.
Mikel Arteta's team have won all four of their Premier League games in a bid to finish fourth and qualify for the Champions League. They are currently in fifth position, two points behind fourth-placed Manchester United but with four games in hand.
Given their winning streak in the league, Owen believes Arsenal have an edge over the visitors on Sunday.
Owen believes Arteta's team will comfortably win against Leicester to take their winning streak to five games.
Writing in his column for BetVictor, Owen said:
“They keep winning and look in firm control of that fourth placed position. Some of the football against Watford was superb, with the likes of [Bukayo] Saka, [Martin] Odegaard and [Gabriel] Martinelli all playing well. Saka in particular has had a brilliant season and get’s better every time I watch him.''
Owen also predicted on his blog that the Gunners will secure a comfortable 2-0 win over Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium.
“I can’t see Arsenal dropping points at the minute. Leicester might be a little tired from playing on Thursday, and I’m going for a 2-0 Arsenal win.”
In the next few weeks, Arsenal will have comparatively easier fixtures in the league than Manchester United. Arteta would like to maintain the winning run, finishing the season on a high note.
Emile Smith Rowe returns to Arsenal training session after contracting Covid-19
Midfielder Emile Smith Rowe has returned to the Gunners' training session ahead of the Premier League clash against Leicester City after contracting Covid-19. The England international missed last weekend's clash against Watford due to the virus.
However, Arteta has confirmed that the 21-year-old attacking-midfielder will be available for selection on Sunday. The Spanish manager highlighted Smith Rowe's importance to the team, expressing his happiness on his return to the team.
Speaking to the press ahead of the game on Sunday, Arteta said:
“He went through Covid but he’s feeling good now and he’s had a couple of training sessions. Hopefully, he can get the rhythm and the consistency and stay out of missing games because he’s a really important player for us and we need him.”