Arsenal enter a period of the season where they will have to face tricky opponents. While Southampton are a relatively easier team when compared to the likes of the other top four teams, the Saints have had the most promising start to the campaign this season than any other team. Southampton finished a lowly 14th at the end of last season but after 11 games into the current season Mauricio Pochettino’s men are sitting comfortably at 3rd place and a point above Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea.
Arsenal will host the Saints this Saturday at the back of a hard fought defeat at the hands of Manchester United before the International break. The Gunners after 11 game weeks are at the top of the table with just two points clear of Liverpool.
Southampton’s impressive start to the season has mainly been due to their defensive stability. They are the league’s meanest defence having conceded just 5 goals so far and are unbeaten in their last 8 games. It will be interesting to see how the Gunners manage to break down the organized Pochettino’s men.
Arsenal stars Mesut Ozil, Laurent Koscielny, Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey got a well deserved rest during the International break as most of them featured in just one out of the two games.
So here is the possible XI that Arsene Wenger might field against Southampton:
Wojciech Szczęsny:
The undisputed No. 1 at Arsenal picks itself.
Kieran Gibbs:
No questions here as well. Although the question of Nacho Monreal pops-up, knowing Wenger, it is hard for the Spaniard to get a starting berth when the England International is fit.
Per Mertesacker:
The German would be a tired figure, but rest assured that he will be back at the heart of the Gunner’s defence having missed out United’s clash with a flu.
Laurent Koscielny:
The tireless French worker got a red card against Ukraine and managed to sit out during the second play-off and should retain his spot alongside Mertesacker.
Bacary Sagna:
Although he is a shadow of the player he once was, Sagna is still capable to perform on the biggest of stages. The French full-back was heavily involved with world cup qualifying duties, but should be available for selection.
Mikel Arteta:
The Spaniard will be a key man once again. After having had plenty of time to rest, the midfielder should be raring to take the anchor role once again. The Saints are known for their pressing which makes Arteta’s role a crucial one.
Aaron Ramsey:
Although Flamini is fit again, Arsenal’s rejuvenated midfielder will continue to play alongside Arteta. Showed bits and pieces of his abilities against Manchester United, but will once again be the key figure in the middle of the park.
Thomas Rosicky:
The one player I felt that Arsenal missed the most against United last time around was Rosicky. However, Wenger’s team news report suggest that the midfielder will undergo a late fitness test before the game. If Rosicky does go through the test, expect him in the starting berth.
Mesut Ozil:
The German looked tired last time around, however he was rested by his national coach for England’s game and should be back to his full fitness again.
Santi Cazorla:
The Spaniard has also been the key man up-front. After an injury plagued start to the campaign, Cazorla looks to be back to his very best.
Olivier Giroud:
No questions here.
However, let’s end it with the big news. Theo Walcott’s is back to full fitness and will be available for selection. According to the Arsenal.com, Wenger said:
Theo will be back for Saturday in the squad. He’s completely fit again. He has not played for a long time, of course, he has not played even a reserve team game, but I will put him in the squad on Saturday. Yes [I will use him cautiously].
So expect Theo to be on the bench and a possible second half appearance!