Premier League leaders Arsenal will head to St. Mary’s for a tricky outing against Southampton, looking to record a fifth win on the bounce.
Southampton proved a tricky customer recently when they hosted big sides, particularly Arsenal. Ralph Hasenhuttl will lean on the result at St. Mary’s last season, which dealt a blow to the Gunners’ top-four ambitions. This time, the scenario is different, and the Southampton boss will be wary of their visitor’s run of form.
Since beating Chelsea at home, Southampton have not been able to find another win. They went on a five-game winless run, including four defeats. Hasenhuttl managed to ease pressure with a convincing win over Bournemouth after Che Adams’s strike secured the points.
Hasenhuttl will have taken plenty of positives from the game. His side scored early and held their own at the back. Mohammed Salisu made a vital goal-line clearance in the second half to keep his side’s advantage. While Bournemouth were good in their attacking game, Arsenal will bring more to the pitch.
The Gunners are flying after winning nine of their opening ten games this season. The Manchester United defeat remains their only blip this season, and Mikel Arteta’s men seem unstoppable in all competitions. Arsenal also secured qualification into the UEFA Europa League knockout rounds with a midweek win over PSV Eindhoven.
The scoreline does not justify their performance levels as Arsenal put in a dominant display at the Emirates. Arteta is checking fatigue levels, as in recent games, his team has shown problems finishing chances. Arsenal have won their last three games in all competitions with a single goal, which the manager will want to improve.
There is a sense of optimism within the Arsenal camp, and they remain confident to go into the World Cup break at the top of the table. Arteta will focus on the trip to Southampton, expecting to collect all three points and continue their dominant start to the season.
Team News & Tactics
Southampton
The comeback will be greater than the setback 👊
❤️ @KWPeters pic.twitter.com/pOAFrJfYiM
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) October 21, 2022
Ralph Hasenhuttl will reshuffle his pack in key positions as injuries pile up. Kyle Walker-Peters limped off against Bournemouth, and the manager confirmed he would remain out for a long time. The English right-back joins Armel Bella-Kotchap and Valentino Livramento on the sidelines.
Hasenhuttl would have picked Ainsley Maitland-Niles as cover for Walker-Peters. But the Arsenal loanee cannot feature against his parent club. With a shortage in the position, the Southampton manager could change the team’s shape to a back three. And Mohamed Elyounoussi could play as the right wing-back in this setup.
Lyanco could take a spot in a back three alongside Duje Caleta-Car and Mohammed Salisu. Romain Perraud will then feature as a wing-back on the left flank. Meanwhile, Ibrahima Diallo also returned from a problem and featured from the bench late in the game.
Hasenhuttl might field him in the midfield alongside James Ward-Prowse and Stuart Armstrong. Southampton will rely on Joe Aribo and Che Adams to provide the ammunition in a twin-pronged attack up front.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Bazunu; Lyanco, Salisu, Caleta-Car; Elyounoussi, Armstrong, Diallo, Ward-Prowse, Perraud; Adams, Aribo
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta can recall several regulars back to the team after resting them for the midweek clash. Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White, William Saliba, Thomas Partey, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard will be in the starting eleven against Southampton.
Bukayo Saka caused minor concern after walking off the pitch rather gingerly. But Arteta allayed the fears and suggested the Englishman could be ready for the Saints clash. The Arsenal manager will also have to decide on his starting left-back. It is becoming a weekly problem to choose between Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney.
Tierney played for 90 minutes against PSV, while Tomiyasu got substituted midway through the second half. Hence, the Japanese international might start against Southampton. Additionally, Oleksandr Zinchenko is inching closer to a return after a minor setback in recovering from a muscle problem.
The rest of the team is easy to pick for Arteta. Saka will start in the final third, and Gabriel Jesus will lead the line for Arsenal against Southampton, with Odegaard in the No.10 role and Martinelli back on the left-hand side.
Probable lineup (4-2-3-1): Ramsdale; Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Jesus
Key Stats
- Arsenal have won ten of their 11 matches in the Premier League this season.
- Arsenal are vying for their ninth straight victory on the bounce in all competitions.
- Arsenal have lost five times away at Southampton since January 2015.
- Southampton have kept just one clean sheet in their last 11 Premier League games at St. Mary’s, but that came against Arsenal.
- Southampton have not picked back-to-back wins in the Premier League since February 2022.
Player to Watch
Gabriel Magalhaes
"This is the best day of my life" ❤️
Let's go, @biel_m04 👊
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 21, 2022
Gabriel Magalhaes is a key part of the Arsenal project under Mikel Arteta, like any other player in the squad. He certainly has flaws in his game but brings far more important attributes to the table that are essential for the team. Last weekend, he got away late in the game after the VAR overturned an on-field red card and a penalty involving the Brazilian.
Arteta supported the defender and urged him to be more careful. The club have since extended his deal late, and Gabriel will be in inspired form ahead of a pivotal game against Southampton. His displays have put him in the spotlight, and the centre-back will have to deliver for the commitment the north Londoners have shown in him.
Prediction
Southampton 1-3 Arsenal
The Gunners not only top the table, but they also boast leading statistics away from home. Arsenal have scored a league-high ten goals and conceded only three goals, which remains the lowest on the road. Their impressive start to the season points to another victory for Mikel Arteta’s charges.
Southampton have been inconsistent this season, which could continue against a team like Arsenal. Moreover, injuries and absentees will play a part, and the Gunners should take all three points at St. Mary’s. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-1 win for Arsenal on Sunday.
