Arsenal are in search of retribution as they lock horns with Southampton on Tuesday. The two sides met on the weekend, in the fourth round of the FA Cup that saw the Saints knock the holders out of the competition. The Gunners, therefore, will be determined to seal all three points when they once again face Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men at St. Mary’s Stadium.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup Vs Southampton
Defence
Mikel Arteta had made a lot of awkward changes in defence on the weekend, including the introduction of Cedric Soares at left-back. The Portuguese international was excellent in the last Premier League match, however, and could get the nod ahead of Hector Bellerin in his natural right-back slot this midweek.
Kieran Tierney, meanwhile, should return to the opposite flank while Arteta could recall David Luiz into the starting eleven, at the expense of Gabriel Magalhaes. The former Chelsea star expects to partner Rob Holding at the heart of the four-man backline, although this game could also witness the return of Pablo Mari.
Bernd Leno, on the other hand, is the undisputed number one ‘keeper for Arsenal and should retain his place in the starting eleven.
Midfield
Dani Ceballos is likely to recover in time for Tuesday’s clash against Southampton. But, it remains a doubt whether he will get the nod ahead of Granit Xhaka. One thing is for sure – Thomas Partey should make his return to the starting eleven after being benched in the last game. The Ghanaian international needs to produce yet another influential performance in order to see his team home this midweek.
Attack
In the attacking unit, Mikel Arteta is unsure whether Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be available for this game. He missed the last match citing “personal reasons”, and appears to be a major doubt heading into this one. Gabriel Martinelli is in line to replace him, should the Gabonese international fail to return in time.
Elsewhere, the Arsenal attack almost picks itself based on the Premier League squad, with Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe completing the creative trifecta while Alexandre Lacazette operates in the number nine role, at the expense of Eddie Nketiah. The return of these three individuals could potentially change Arsenal’s fortunes after a horrid show on the weekend.
