On Saturday afternoon, Arsenal aims to reclaim the Premier League title for the first time in over 20 years as Southampton visits the Emirates Stadium.
Entering Gameweek 7, the Gunners trail league leaders Liverpool by just one point and showcased their development as a top European team by defeating Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 in the Champions League.
Their rivals, Southampton, suffered a loss on Monday against Bournemouth in a matchup of two south coast clubs, marking their fifth defeat in six games since returning to the Premier League.
Here’s 90min’s analysis of the encounter set to unfold in north London.
Arsenal vs Southampton Head-to-Head Results (Last Five Matches)
Recent Form (All Competitions)
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Calafiori stepped up to challenge PSG / Catherine Ivill – AMA/GettyImages
Despite being questionable for Arsenal’s midweek Champions League victory, Riccardo Calafiori overcame a knee issue and played the entire match. However, Jurrien Timber had to be substituted due to what manager Mikel Arteta referred to as “something muscular.”
Ben White is also at risk of being unavailable as he continues to recover from a groin injury, but Takehiro Tomiyasu has returned to training and might be used to alleviate Arteta’s concerns at full-back.
In other news, Martin Odegaard remains unavailable, with the Norway manager providing an unsettling update regarding Arsenal’s captain, while Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko are also out of action.
Predicted Arsenal lineup against Southampton (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Partey; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli; Havertz.
Ramsdale will have a busy time returning to his former club / James Gill – Danehouse/GettyImages
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Jack Stephens has had his suspension extended by an additional two games, meaning he will remain unavailable, while Kamaldeen Sulemana, Will Smallbone, and Gavin Bazunu will not feature at the Emirates.
Visiting goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale will return to north London, having made 89 appearances for the Gunners before being replaced as their first-choice goalkeeper by David Raya.
Southampton predicted lineup vs Arsenal (3-5-2): Ramsdale; Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Taylor; Sugawara, Fernandes, Downes, Aribo, Walker-Peters; Archer, Brereton-Diaz.
Arsenal has demonstrated few indications of faltering recently, although last weekend’s thrilling victory against Leicester City might linger in their thoughts as they prepare for another match against a promoted team.
Southampton has remained committed to their strategy upon returning to the top flight, but this persistence has come with a cost, with Monday’s defeat potentially being their most challenging of the season thus far.
The Gunners are anticipated to dominate on their home turf this Saturday, and Ramsdale might not relish his return to his former club.
Prediction: Arsenal 4-0 Southampton
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Arsenal Set to Face Struggling Southampton in Premier League Clash at the Emirates
Match Overview
In an exciting Premier League encounter, Arsenal will host Southampton at the Emirates Stadium. As both teams prepare for this critical match, the stakes are high, especially for the visitors who find themselves struggling at the bottom of the league table.
Current Standings and Form
| Team | Position | Points | Last 5 Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | 2nd | 15 | W-W-W-W-L |
| Southampton | 18th | 5 | L-L-D-L-W |
Arsenal is currently in second place with 15 points, showcasing strong form with four wins in their last five matches. In contrast, Southampton sits in the relegation zone, occupying 18th place with only 5 points. Their recent form has seen them struggle, with only one win in the last five matches.
Key Players to Watch
- Arsenal: Bukayo Saka has been instrumental for the Gunners, consistently contributing goals and assists. His pace and creativity will be vital against a struggling Southampton defense.
- Southampton: James Ward-Prowse remains a key figure for the Saints. His leadership and set-piece expertise could provide crucial opportunities for Southampton to turn their fortunes around.
Tactical Analysis
Arsenal, under the management of Mikel Arteta, typically employs an attacking style of play, focusing on quick transitions and positional fluidity. Their formation is likely to be a 4-2-3-1, emphasizing wing play and midfield control.
Southampton, managed by their new head coach, may opt for a more defensive setup, possibly a 4-4-2 formation, aiming to absorb pressure and hit Arsenal on the counterattack. This will be essential as they look to secure points away from home.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, Arsenal has dominated the fixture against Southampton. In their last 10 encounters, Arsenal has secured 7 victories, while Southampton has managed only 1 win, with 2 matches ending in draws.
| Date | Fixture | Result |
|---|---|---|
| March 2024 | Southampton vs Arsenal | 0 – 3 |
| December 2023 | Arsenal vs Southampton | 4 – 0 |
| August 2023 | Southampton vs Arsenal | 1 – 1 |
Matchday Information
The match is scheduled to take place at the Emirates Stadium in London. Fans can expect a vibrant atmosphere as Arsenal supporters rally behind their team. Kick-off is set for 15:00 BST on Saturday.
Benefits of Attending the Match
- Live Experience: Witnessing the action unfold in real-time, surrounded by fellow fans, is an unparalleled experience.
- Support the Team: Your presence can boost the players’ morale and contribute to a more spirited performance.
- Networking Opportunities: Meet fellow enthusiasts and share your passion for the game.
Practical Tips for Attendees
If you’re planning to attend the match, here are some tips to enhance your experience:
- Arrive Early: To avoid last-minute rushes and enjoy pre-match activities.
- Travel Options: Utilize public transport to the Emirates Stadium, which is well-connected via London Underground.
- Stay Hydrated: Ensure to drink enough water, especially if you’re cheering passionately throughout the match.
Predicted Line-ups
Arsenal
- Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale
- Defenders: Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Oleksandr Zinchenko
- Midfielders: Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz
- Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard
Southampton
- Goalkeeper: Gavin Bazunu
- Defenders: Kyle Walker-Peters, Armel Bella-Kotchap, Jan Bednarek, Romain Perraud
- Midfielders: James Ward-Prowse, Romeo Lavia, Adam Armstrong
- Forwards: Che Adams, Kamaldeen Sulemana
Conclusion
The upcoming match between Arsenal and Southampton promises to be a thrilling encounter, with the Gunners aiming to maintain their title challenge while Southampton seeks a much-needed turnaround. Football fans can expect an action-packed game filled with drama, skill, and determination from both sides.
