Arsenal vs Southampton: Match Preview
Arsenal will be keen to end their three-match winless run in English Premier League when they host Southampton at Emirates stadium on Tuesday’s night. Striker Alex Sanchez scored the winner in the FA Cup Fourth Round tie against Burnley on Saturday and is in line for his first Premier League start since November. Southampton have been up and down this season. After picking up only one win in 10 games in all competitions, that one win coincidentally being a 4-0 demolition of Arsenal, they have won three straight games. The Gunners faltered last time out in a 1-0 home defeat to struggling Chelsea, thanks to a goal by nemesis Diego Costa.
Arsenal can return to the top of the pile with a victory against Southampton, provided results go their way. Things haven’t been going that well for the Gunners in the Premier League but Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Burnley helped restore some of the lost confidence. The recent dip in form has seen Wenger’s side drop to third in the table, behind Manchester City on goal difference and three adrift of surprise leaders Leicester City, who keep surprising every week. After being declared title favourites at the turn of the year, Arsenal have handed the impetus in the title race to City and will be looking to get back on track against the Saints.
Ronald Koeman’s side went to Old Trafford last week and frustrated Manchester United for the majority of the match before snatching a late winner through Charlie Austin, who came off the bench and powered home a header for a memorable debut. When these two last went head to head, it was Shane Long who made the difference, scoring twice against Cech and perhaps he could have ended up with three or four, with some better finishing. However, the victory at Old Trafford was their first away victory in five.
Mertesacker will return in defence after serving a one-match ban for his red card against Chelsea while the likes of Petr Cech, Hector Bellerin, Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil should also be back. Francis Coquelin is in the mix to return to Premier League action after completing two full weeks of training and starting against Burnley. Tomas Rosicky, Danny Welbeck, Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla will all be missing out. Southampton will be close to full strength, however, Pelle and Northern Ireland captain Steven Davis are in doubt. Despite scoring the winner at Old Trafford, Austin may feature as a substitute again as Koeman will be hesitant to change a winning side.
Predicted Arsenal Line-up: Cech; Bellerin, Gabriel, Koscielny, Monreal; Ramsey, Flamini; Walcott, Ozil, Sanchez and Giroud
Predicted Southampton Line-up: Forster; Soares, van Dijk, Fonte, Bertrand; Wanyama, Clasie; Tadic, Mane Targett and Long
Predicted Scoreline: Arsenal vs Southampton – 2-1