Predicted Arsenal Lineup To Face Southampton In The Premier League
Arsenal’s impressive Premier League run hit a massive setback last Saturday when they suffered a heartbreaking 3-1 defeat against Manchester United at Emirates despite being the much better side throughout the evening. The Gunners’ Thursday night Europa League outing against Bate Borisov though, ended wonderfully in their favour, as they beat the Belarus outfit by a whopping 6-0 margin.
Arsene Wenger, the veteran Arsenal gaffer, made a total overhaul for their Europa League game and did not use too many first-team players for the game.
Team News
Arsenal do not have any significant injury absentees except Santi Cazorla who is still struggling to recover from his devastating ankle injury. Shkodran Mustafi is a doubt too following the thigh injury he sustained during the game against the Red Devils. He will go through a late fitness test ahead of their trip to St. Mary’s.
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Wenger’s switch to ‘back three’ allowed him to recover the lost ground towards the end of the previous campaign and although he failed to clinch a ‘top-four’ finish, the new set-up helped them to bag the FA Cup title by defeating London rivals Chelsea. The Frenchman should stick to his usual 3-4-2-1 formation, despite playing a 4-2-3-1 formation against BATE Borisov.
Manager: Arsene Wenger
Petr Cech (GK)
The veteran custodian was rested for their Europa League clash but is set to be back between the sticks on Sunday afternoon.
Laurent Koscielny (RCB)
Koscielny had a poor outing against the Red Devils but has been the main man in the Gunners’ backline for several campaigns. He is expected to be back to his very best against the Saints and guide his side to clinch a win at St. Mary’s.
Per Mertesacker (CB)
At the dusk of his career, the Big German central defender might be recalled to Arsenal’s defence for their next Premier League outing. Mustafi, his fellow countryman, is a major doubt and the veteran centre-back is tipped to lead their distorted backline this weekend.
Nacho Monreal (LCB)
The Spaniard has been utilised in a makeshift left centre-back role instead of his usual left-back slot and has done a wonderful job so far with his positioning, tackling and intercepting skills being spot on. Monreal has become an integral member of the Arsenal defence and will start against Southampton.
Hector Bellerin (RWB)
His blistering pace is a massive edge for the Gunners to constitute counter-attacking threats from the right flank. Bellerin’s defensive ability, however, has been questioned time and again and the Spaniard must concentrate on his defensive responsibilities in such a tricky away outing.
Granit Xhaka (CM)
Inconsistent yet irreplaceable at this moment due to his combative approach in the middle of the park. The Swiss international will be required to win back possession and control the midfield game.
Aaron Ramsey (CM)
The Welshman has been on a scintillating run of form in recent weeks and his forward runs have troubled the opponents’ defence so far this campaign. Ramsey will be pivotal in the Arsenal midfield and Wenger will rely on his decorated midfield star for the Southampton clash.
Sead Kolasinac (LWB)
The summer arrival from Schalke has been a brilliant bargain buy for the Gunners as his style of play suits Premier League’s status. The Bosnian will be used at the left wingback position as usual, in order for the Gunners to create more chances for their attackers.
Mesut Ozil (RAM)
Ozil has been impressive in recent weeks and is orchestrating the game with his great vision, the range of passing and creative movements. He will be instrumental on Sunday afternoon to bring the North Londoners back to winning ways in the league.
Alexis Sanchez (LAM)
His contract dispute is yet to be resolved and the Chilean has not replicated the form of his previous campaign. However, he still can be the difference between these two sides and can grab a win for the visitors at St. Mary’s.
Alexandre Lacazette (ST)
Arsenal’s club-record signing is scoring goals on a regular basis and is also working hard to contribute more to the Gunners in the attacking third. He will be relied upon in front of goal and is tipped to continue his great run of form on Sunday afternoon.
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