Arsenal will look to get back to winning ways and stay within touching distance of the Premier League‘s top four when they host Southampton on Saturday.
The Gunners have lost three of their last four league matches, dropping down to seventh in the table. After a dismal start to the season, Mikel Arteta’s side looked to have got back on track with a 10-game unbeaten run.
Their impressive run was snapped by Liverpool at Anfield last month and the Gunners have since dropped successive away games to Manchester United and Everton, raising the heat on Arteta.
But the Spaniard will take heart from his side’s home form this season; Arsenal have picked up 16 points from a possible 21 at the Emirates, a tally only topped by Tottenham Hotspur.
Arsenal were forced to settle for a point the last time they hosted the Saints, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s second-half strike cancelling out Theo Walcott’s opener.
Arsenal Team News
Mikel Arteta has almost a full squad to choose from. Kieran Tierney and Granit Xhaka both returned from injury layoffs against Everton and could feature once again.
Emile Smith Rowe is likely to be available after missing the trip to Goodison Park due to injury. Gabriel Martinelli limped off with a hamstring problem against Everton and faces a race against time to be fit for this clash.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup vs Southampton (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
After a sensational start to his Arsenal career, Aaron Ramsdale has failed to keep a clean sheet in three of his last four games. However, that can be attributed to poor defending rather than any shortcomings on his own part. The England international will start in goal ahead of Bernd Leno against the Saints.
Defenders
Kieran Tierney returned to the Arsenal lineup in place of the effervescent Nuno Tavares at left-back against Everton and made an instant impact, providing the assist for Martin Odegaard’s goal. He was substituted late on as a precaution and should be fit for this game.
The rest of the backline picks itself. Ben White and Gabriel will continue at centre-back, while Takehiro Tomiyasu will keep his spot on the right side of the defence.
Midfielders
Granit Xhaka made his first start since September against Everton and although he appeared off the pace, he should keep his spot in central midfield, given Arsenal’s lack of quality at the position.
Mikel Arteta has a big call to make over Thomas Partey. The Ghana international has been in dismal form over the past month or so and could be axed for Albert Sambi Lokonga.
Martin Odegaard will occupy the No. 10 position. After a tough start to the season, the Norwegian appears to have finally settled down, finding the net in back-to-back games against Manchester United and Everton.
If Emile Smith Rowe is passed fit, he will slot straight into the lineup in place of Gabriel Martinelli. Bukayo Saka will retain his place on the right flank ahead of Nicolas Pepe.
Forwards
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was dropped for the game against Everton due to his mediocre recent form. But Alexandre Lacazette struggled to make any kind of impact up front and Arteta might be forced to turn to Aubameyang to lead the line once again.
