Arsenal clinched another vital victory on Thursday as they defeated Qarabag, ensuring qualification into the next round of the Europa League as the group winners. The Gunners now needs to turn their attention to the Premier League and would look to get maximum points from the next encounter against Southampton, a team currently languishing in the 19th spot of the Premier League table.
Arsenal are currently in the 5th position and would look to enter the top four with a win against the Saints. However, it would not be an easy task for the Gunners to get all three points from the match as the South Coast club could be desperate for redemption in front of the home crowd at the Saint Mary’s Stadium.
Team News
Unai Emery has a number of absentees to deal with as Rob Holding is out with injury while Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis Papastatathopoulos are suspended for the match. Danny Welbeck is a long-term absentee, and Aaron Ramsey will be assessed before the encounter against Southampton.
Goalkeeper
Bernd Leno would start in the goal for Arsenal after getting a well-deserved rest against Qarabag.
Defence
In absence of Mustafi, Sokratis and Holding, the responsibility will be on Laurent Koscielny, who made his return against Qarabag, to guard the heart of the defence. Nacho Monreal would pair up with the Frenchman. Hector Bellerin would start as the right back while Sead Kolasinac would put in a shift from the left.
Midfield
Lucas Torreira and Granit Xhaka would return to the starting lineup after missing the Qarabag match and would play in central midfield. Alex Iwobi would start along with Henrikh Mkhitaryan on the left and right side of midfield respectively. Mesut Ozil would start right behind the striker in a No. 10 role.
Attack
After his match-winning performance against Qarabag, Alexandre Lacazette could start ahead of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang. He would lead the line for the Gunners against the Saints.
Predicted Formation: 4-2-3-1
