Leicester City vs Arsenal: Claudio Ranieri tips Gunners for Premier League title charge

The Foxes remain the only unbeaten side in the Premier League heading into the weekend clash with Arsenal

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Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri says he is surprised that Arsenal have not been challenging for Premier League titles in the eleven years since he left Chelsea.

The unbeaten Foxes host Arsene Wenger’s men at the King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon and Ranieri thinks the Gunners are finally ready to rock the apple cart once again.

“Arsenal are smart, fast, technical, everything,” the Italian said. “They are ready to challenge for the title. They are fantastic and have good quality. They move the ball very well and quickly.

“It is difficult to find a weakness but we will try. I left Chelsea when Arsenal were unbeaten, but they are ready to challenge again.”

The North London club lost to Jose Mourinho’s Blues last time out but salvaged some pride with a 2-1 win over rivals Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane last night.

Claudio Ranieri only defeated Arsene Wenger once during his spell as Chelsea boss (Getty)

Ranieri is not concerned about Arsenal's fatigue - following two London derbies in a week - and the self-proclaimed Tinkerman knows the Gunners can field any side and still compete.

“Wenger can close his eyes and pick his team out of the hat. He could put [Alexis] Sanchez in goal and [Petr] Cech up-front and still have a strong team.

“To beat Arsenal we must play the perfect match but also be a little lucky.”

Leicester’s unbeaten start has given Ranieri some selection headaches and the 63-year-old expects nothing less before this weekend’s clash in the East Midlands.

He continued: “I need to make a decision this weekend. Those who played (in the cup) have put me under pressure. My squad is ready.”

Ranieri also confirmed Nathan Dyer and long term absentee Matty James would be the only ones missing from an otherwise fully fit City squad.

"Dyer is not fit. His knee is getting better, but not 100 percent. I don't have any other injuries but I will wait to see what shape the players are in."