Arsenal‘s top-four challenge has hit a major roadblock with back-to-back Premier League defeats and the Gunners will look to get back to winning ways when they visit Southampton on Saturday.
A run of six wins in seven placed Mikel Arteta’s side in the driving seat for Champions League qualification, but losses to Crystal Palace and Brighton have put a spanner in the works. They have now dropped to fifth and trail London rivals Tottenham Hotspur by three points with a game in hand.
Southampton are on a dismal run themselves, having lost five of their last six games. Ralph Hasenhuettl’s side were demolished 6-0 by Chelsea last weekend and find themselves in 14th spot.
The last time these two sides met, Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 win courtesy of goals from Martin Odegaard, Alexandre Lacazette and Gabriel.
Arsenal Team News
Arsenal will be without two key players for the trip to St. Mary’s. Thomas Partey is expected to miss the rest of the season with injury, while Kieran Tierney is also unlikely to be available for the next couple of months.
Takehiro Tomiyasu is still rehabbing a calf problem and will not feature. Alexandre Lacazette did not train with the rest of the team this week and the Frenchman could drop down to the bench for this game.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Southampton (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
After a bright start to his Arsenal career, Aaron Ramsdale has come crashing back down to earth. The English goalkeeper has managed just one clean sheet in his last seven appearances, although that can be attributed to the team’s defensive struggles.
Defenders
Predicted Arsenal Lineup vs Southampton
Arteta’s decision to play Granit Xhaka at left-back last time out backfired spectacularly, meaning Nuno Tavares could get another opportunity to get into his manager’s good books after a string of poor performances.
Gabriel and Ben White will maintain their partnership at centre-back in the Arsenal lineup, while Cedric will continue on the right in the absence of Tomiyasu.
Midfielders
Xhaka is likely to reprise his role in central midfield after a miserable outing at left-back against Brighton. He will partner Albert Sambi Lokonga.
Martin Odegaard’s impact has waned in recent weeks, and the Norwegian will be hoping to recapture the form that made him one of the first names on the Arsenal lineup a few weeks ago.
Emile Smith Rowe will continue on the left flank, with Bukayo Saka on the right.
Attackers
With question marks surrounding Lacazette’s ability, Gabriel Martinelli is expected to lead the line for the Gunners. The Brazilian will be hoping to snap a four-game goal drought.
