Arsenal’s bid to reclaim the Premier League title for the first time in over 20 years continues on Saturday afternoon when Southampton arrive at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners, who are a point behind leaders Liverpool heading into Gameweek 7, gave another reminder of their progression into one of the best sides in Europe by swatting aside Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 in the Champions League.
Their upcoming opponents lost on Monday to Bournemouth in a battle between two south coast sides, registering their fifth defeat in six matches on their return to the top flight.
Here’s 90min’s preview of the meeting in north London.
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Arsenal vs Southampton H2H Results (Last Five Games)
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Arsenal team news
Riccardo Calafiori was doubtful to feature in Arsenal’s midweek Champions League win but shook off a knee complaint to play the whole game. However, Jurrien Timber did have to be replaced after struggling with what manager Mikel Arteta described as “something muscular”.
Ben White is also at risk of missing out as he continues to nurse a groin problem, but Takehiro Tomiyasu is back in training and could be utilised to ease Arteta’s worries at full-back.
Elsewhere, Martin Odegaard remains unavailable, with Norway’s manager delivering a worrying update on Arsenal’s captain, while Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko are also sidelined.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Southampton (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Partey; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli; Havertz.
Southampton team news
Southampton slipped to their fifth defeat in six league games on Monday night but there’s unlikely to be a whole raft of changes implemented by manager Russell Martin.
Jack Stephens has had his suspension increased by two more games so he remains out, while Kamaldeen Sulemana, Will Smallbone and Gavin Bazunu will play no part at the Emirates.
There will be a return to north London for visiting goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who made 89 appearances for the Gunners before being usurped as their starting shot-stopper 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 vs Southampton score prediction
Arsenal have shown few signs of slipping up of late, though last weekend’s dramatic win over Leicester City might be on their minds ahead of the visit of another promoted club.
Southampton have stuck to their guns on their return to the top flight but it has come at a cost, with Monday’s loss possibly their worst so far this season.
The Gunners are expected to run riot at their home on Saturday and Ramsdale may not get to enjoy his return to his old club.
