Arsenal v Southampton – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Arsenal face Southampton The Gunners are unbeaten in the league this season, while the Saints have lost five of their six matches (with one draw) and have a -9-goal difference. However, Southampton are unbeaten in their last three matches against Arsenal (WDD).

Arsenal Form

The Gunners are looking very strong this season. They ended last season with six straight wins and began this season with 2-0 victories over Wolves and Aston Villa (away). After a 1-1 home draw with ten men against Brighton, they won 1-0 at Tottenham despite conceding 15 shots to their rivals.

A 0-0 draw away to Atalanta in the Champions League was followed by a 2-2 draw at Manchester City, where they played the second half with ten men and allowed 28 shots after the break. After a 5-1 win over Bolton in the Carabao Cup, they scored two late goals to beat Leicester 4-2 and won 2-0 at home against PSG in a comfortable performance.

Arsenal Team News

Arteta remains without injured midfielder Martin Odegaard, but Mikel Merino is back from a shoulder injury to bolster the squad. Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu are both ruled out in defense, with Riccardo Calafiori set to play at left-back.

Both Ben White and Jurrien Timber are doubtful at right-back. Arsenal may have to use Jakub Kiwior or even Thomas Partey as a makeshift right-back if neither White nor Timber is fit to play.

Arsenal Motivation

The Gunners will see this match as a must-win and will likely expect to score several goals.

Once in the lead, Arsenal may sit back and allow Southampton to dominate possession, using the pace of Saka, Martinelli, and others to strike on the counter.

Southampton Form

Southampton are bottom of the table, having lost five and drawn one of their six matches since being promoted. They started the season with a 1-0 loss at Newcastle, despite playing against ten men and holding 78% possession with 19 shots. A 1-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest followed, where they had 65% of the ball but only managed five shots. A 3-1 loss at Brentford saw them concede 2.78 xG and 20 shots, despite dominating 67% possession.

A 3-0 home loss to Manchester United saw them miss a penalty at 0-0. They advanced in the Carabao Cup after a 1-1 draw at Everton, winning on penalties. They earned their first league point with a 1-1 home draw against Ipswich. Last weekend, Southampton were beaten 3-1 at Bournemouth, trailing 3-0 after 39 minutes.

Southampton Team News

Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is injured, and center-back Jack Stephens is suspended after receiving a red card and reacting poorly to it. Will Smallbone is also unavailable in midfield.

Coach Russell Martin made three changes at half-time last week. Players like Joe Aribo and Ben Brereton Diaz are pushing for starting spots, while Ryan Fraser and Max Cornet are the main candidates to be dropped.

Southampton Motivation

Southampton are unlikely to change their philosophy, even when playing away at Arsenal. They will aim to keep possession and take risks in their build-up play.

A draw would be a good result for the Saints, but they won’t park the bus to secure it.

Key Stats

Arsenal have lost just 1 of their last 16 home matches (43 goals scored).

Arsenal have scored 29 goals in their last 11 home league matches.

Southampton have lost 5 of their 6 league matches this season (1 draw).

Southampton are unbeaten in their last 3 matches against Arsenal (WDD).

Verdict

Arsenal are overwhelming favorites. They should have far too much for Southampton and could dominate at the Emirates.