Having watched their dream title challenge fizzle out recently, Arsenal need to get back on-form – and sharpish. Given the Gunners had a healthy lead in the title, a pair of 2-2 draws where in both games they were 2-0 up are going to be pretty damaging for confidence and self-belief. Can they come out the other side against a Southampton side who are desperately fighting against relegation?
Arsenal News
Given Arsenal games seem to see plenty of goals – the Gunners have scored at least twice in their last seven games – and they have a very strong home record against Southampton, this should be a home banker. However, a growing injury list involving defenders William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko are sure to cause some headaches for Mikel Arteta.
Saliba is out with a back injury, and it is unlikely that Zinchenko returns in time. Kieran Tierney looks set to come back in at left-back.
Southampton News
Saints come into this one with a few injuries, though they will definitely be without Ainsley Maitland-Niles due to being ineligible against his parent club. Tino Livramento is finally back in action, but it is unlikely that he will be risked at the Emirates. Other than that, Mislav Orsic looks set to miss out, while Mohammed Salisu and Che Adams are also both out.
Verdict
Expect an easy home win here. Southampton have been rotten on the road, and Arsenal could not ask for an easier league fixture ahead of their trip to Manchester City in what is likely to be a title decider.
Score Prediction: 3-0
