After a thumping victory in the final group stage game of the Europa League earlier this week, Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal are back in action this weekend, when they travel to the St Mary’s in an early kick off on Sunday. The Gunners have a chance to move to 4th if the result in the Merseyside derby goes in their favour but the Saints have been a tough nut to crack this season.
They are fresh from a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth but Arsenal will look to get back to winning ways, after their loss to Manchester United in the previous round. Wenger rested a number of his key players for the European tie and is expected to go with his strongest XI for this game. Here is the predicted lineup he might field for this tie:
Team News:
Arsene Wenger revealed that Shkodran Mustafi is certainly ruled out for this game along with midfielder Santi Cazorla, who is nursing a long-term injury. Theo Walcott picked up a niggle in the mid-week but is expected to be fit to make the bench.
Expected lineup (3.4-3):
Defense:
Petr Cech remains the first choice shot-stopper for Arsenal in the league and after break earlier in the week, he should be fresh for this tie. With Mustafi out, Rob Holding, who has been impressive in most outings this season, is expected to start, on the right side of the backline. Skipper Laurent Koscielny will have to shift into the heart of the backline from the right side.
Nacho Monreal has not been exceptional but has met Wenger’s criteria on a number of occasions. He should keep his place in the side on the left-side of the defence.
Midfield:
Aaron Ramsey and Granit Xhaka were both rested for the game against Bate Borisov. They have been the preferred midfield partnership this season for Arsenal and they are expected to start this game against Southampton.
Spanish ace Hector Bellerin and Bosnian defender Sead Kolasinac have very little backups in the first team for their roles as wing-backs. They were also rested for the mid-week and should be fresh for this game.
Attack:
Mesut Ozil had a superb game against Manchester United but that was not enough to get his side a victory. He should keep his place on the right side of the attack, as he usually does. Alexis Sanchez has not been at his best this season but will have to step up against a disciplined Southampton side, playing them away from home.
Alexandre Lacazette also had a productive game in the last round. He should lead the line and will have to be at his best, against the likes of Van Dijk and Hoedt in this game.
Here is how they might line up:
