Buoyed by a midweek UEFA Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain, the Gunners go into the game having been unbeaten in their last fifteen matches across all competitions – with only three of those draws – stretching back to April last season.
Having suffered six consecutive top-flight defeats on the road – conceding at least three times in five of them – Southampton fans won’t be travelling to North London with much optimism, especially on the back of Monday night’s disappointing loss at Bournemouth.
Arsenal
The Gunners may have to make do with up to six first-team players this weekend due to injury. Most of Mikel Arteta’s headaches come in the back line. Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu will be out until after the international break, whilst David Raya is believed to have come through the last two games without any further issues following an injury scare.
Jurrien Timber, though, was substituted at half-time during Tuesday night’s 2-0 win over PSG, with Arteta saying he was taken off as a precaution after he ‘felt something muscular.’
Southampton
Russell Martin’s selection dilemma has been made easier with Jack Stephens getting a further two-game ban for his red card against Manchester United.
After changing shape away at Bournemouth, the Saints may opt to return to their familiar 4-3-3 system – with Adam Lallana and Joe Aribo impressing off the bench despite the 3-1 defeat at Vitality Stadium
Southampton
Ramsdale; Sugawara, Bednarek, Harwood-Bellis, Taylor; Downes, Lallana, Aribo; Dibling, Archer, Brereton Diaz
Arsenal – Leandro Trossard
After returning from suspension following his dismissal at Manchester City, Leandro Trossard has a goal and an assist in his last two games. After scoring the second goal in last weekend’s 4-2 win over Leicester City, the Belgian setup Kai Havertz’s opening goal in the Champions League in midweek.
His success on the pitch is usually in sync with the Gunners’, winning his last twelve league goalscoring appearances.
Given the hosts’ set-piece threat, Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale will need to be at his best against his former club. He returns to the Emirates having left Arsenal on a permanent transfer in the summer.
And the keeper will be hoping for improved fortunes having conceded ten goals in his first four games.
Out to prove a point, Ramsdale will be hoping regular action coupled with some stand-out performances will see him regain his spot in the England national team
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