Arsenal Host Struggling Southampton in Premier League Showdown
Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon when they welcome winless Southampton to the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners are fresh off a 2-0 Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain, while Southampton endured a 3-1 defeat to South Coast rivals Bournemouth.
Match Preview
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal continued their fine run of form with a convincing Champions League win over PSG. Defensive errors from Gianluigi Donnarumma helped Arsenal secure the points as Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka both found the net. The Gunners are now unbeaten in their last 15 matches across all competitions, having shown resilience in a recent thrilling 3-3 draw with Leicester City.
This Premier League fixture sees Arsenal aiming for their 400th home win in the competition—a milestone only previously reached by Manchester United. With Arsenal currently third in the league, just one point behind Liverpool and Manchester City, a victory over Southampton would keep the pressure on their title rivals.
In contrast, Southampton find themselves near the bottom of the table after a 3-1 defeat to Bournemouth. The Saints’ poor form on the road continues, and manager Russell Martin faces mounting pressure to turn things around. Southampton are currently kept off the bottom of the table only by goal difference, and their 4.4% conversion rate is the lowest in the league.
Southampton have gone three games unbeaten against Arsenal, but their last win away to the Gunners came back in 1987. With a struggling squad and key players unavailable, a win at the Emirates seems unlikely for the Saints.
Team News
Arsenal continue to be plagued by injuries, with Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Jurrien Timber all doubtful for the clash. Martin Odegaard remains sidelined with an ankle issue, but Kai Havertz will look to extend his scoring streak at the Emirates, aiming to become the first Arsenal player since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in 2019 to score in five consecutive home games.
Southampton will be without Jack Stephens, who serves a suspension, while Gavin Bazunu and Kamaldeen Sulemana are also out with injuries. Former Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is set to start for Southampton, aiming to keep a clean sheet against his former club.
Possible Lineups
Arsenal: Raya; Calafiori, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Havertz, Partey, Rice; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
Southampton: Ramsdale; Sugawara, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Taylor; Downes, Aribo, Lallana; Fernandes; Dibling, Brereton Diaz
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