Predicted Southampton Line-up To Face Arsenal In The Premier League
Standing just outside the top half of the PL points table, Mauricio Pellegrino’s Southampton have put in some gritty performances this season but they need to step up their game in front of goal if they are to compete for a place in Europe this season. After the 1-1 draw against the Cherries in the previous game week, the Saints face a tricky test this weekend, as they welcome Arsenal to the St Mary’s.
The Gunners are healing from a loss to Manchester United but have been in decent form of late and will surely look for all three points.
Team News
Shane Long and Cedric Soares remain the only doubts for Pellegrino ahead of this tie.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Mauricio Pellegrino
GK – Fraser Forster
The first choice shot-stopper for Pellegrino, Forster will have his work cut out against an in-form Arsenal attack.
RB – Jeremy Pied
With Soares not fully fit, Pied, who was decent in the last outing against the Cherries should keep his place at left-back.
CB – Virgil van Dijk
The Dutch international will be up against the likes of Sanchez and Lacazette and will have to be at his best for his side to get anything from this game.
CB – Wesley Hoedt
Has already established himself as the first choice at St. Mary’s and should partner Van Dijk at the back, for this crunch clash.
LB – Ryan Bertrand
One of the most consistent left-backs in the country at the moment, Bertrand will have to keep a close eye on the likes of Ozil this weekend.
CM – Oriol Romeu
His industry and hard work have made Southampton a hard team to beat and it will not be easy for Arsenal to dominate him.
CM – Mario Lemina
Came off the bench in the previous game, coming back from an injury and should be pushed back into the starting XI, to add some mettle to their midfield.
RW – Dusan Tadic
Though he has not been as effective as his manager would have wanted him to be, Davies is his first choice on the right wing and is expected to keep his place in the side.
CAM – Steven Davies
Played a deeper role in the previous game but with Lemina back in action, he should be pushed into a more attacking role through the middle.
LW – Nathan Redmond
Yet to find the back of the net this season, Redmond could yet be the danger man for Southampton at St Mary’s this weekend.
ST – Charlie Austin
Charlie Austin is club’s top-scorer this season and there’s no way Pellegrino would leave his main scorer out for such an important clash.
Here is how Southampton might line up: