Southampton will look to complete their first double over Arsenal since 1988 when they travel to Emirates on Sunday.
The Saints secured a hard-fought 3-2 win over the Gunners in the reverse fixture and will be eyeing all three points as they aim to get out of the relegation scrap.
Southampton team news
Danny Ings will continue his spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring problem along with Mario Lemina, who is out with an abdominal injury. In addition, Michael Obafemi is ruled out while Stuart Armstrong is doubt going into this fixture.
PREDICTED SOUTHAMPTON LINEUP VS ARSENAL (3-5-2)
Defence
Despite coming on the back of an emotionally charged 1-2 defeat to Cardiff City, Southampton coach Ralph Hasenhuttl is likely to stick to his trusted three-man defensive combination.
Therefore, we could expect the defensive trifecta of Jan Bednarek, Jannik Vestergaard and Jack Stephens to form the three-man backline, where Vestergaard will be tasked with the responsibility of marshalling the defence.
The former Gladbach defender leads the team in terms of clearances and aerial challenges and his doggedness at the back could be crucial as the Saints look to contain the Arsenal attack this weekend.
Alex McCarthy will retain his place in between the sticks and the 29-year-old will be searching for his fifth clean sheet of the campaign.
Midfield
Yan Valery will be deployed as the right-wingback while Ryan Bertrand is a guaranteed starter ahead of Matt Targett on the opposite flank. The former Chelsea defender will be crucial in providing the additional support going forward.
Oriol Romeu, on the other hand, will occupy the holding midfield role, where the Spaniard will look to provide the security for the backline. The 27-year-old leads the team in terms of successful tackles made this season.
Romeu will be partnered by the midfield duo of James Ward-Prowse and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, both of who will operate in a slightly advanced position.
Ward-Prowse, in particular, will remain Southampton’s main source of creativity, having averaged as many as 2.1 key passes per game this season.
Attack
Shane Long will continue to deputize for the injured Danny Ings in the attack. The Irishman has scored only one goal in the Premier League this season but his energy and pace could be key on the counter.
He will be partnered by Nathan Redmond, who leads the team in terms of dribbles and key passes this season – making him the focal point of the Southampton attack.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
