Having overcome BATE Borisov in midweek, Arsenal welcome Southampton to the Emirates for a decisive Premier League clash, affecting both ends of table.
A home win could send Arsenal fourth depending on result of Manchester United’s clash with Liverpool.
Southampton meanwhile could climb to safety with at least a point following Cardiff’s thrashing by Watford earlier this weekend.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesAinsley Maitland-Niles is a doubt for Arsenal as he suffers with illness.
Laurent Koscielny will however face a late fitness test as he battles to overcome a muscular issue.
Hector Bellerin and Rob Holding are both sidelined for rest of the season with knee injuries, whilst Danny Welbeck is still out with a broken ankle.
Southampton have Michael Obafemi and Stuart Armstrong available after the pair resumed training, after recovering from respective thigh and calf injuries.
Danny Ings is one week away from possible selection as he come backs from a thigh injury, whilst Mario Lemina (abdominal) is still sidelined.
Form
Arsenal enter this game off the back of four wins in their last seven across all competitions.
They however have avoided defeat at home all season against teams other than the ‘Big Six’, with one defeat in each domestic competition coming against fellow league giants.
Southampton are unbeaten in five of their last six league games but lost last time out at home to Cardiff.
The Saints have scored in each of their last seven matches across all competitions and are unbeaten in last five away, with three of those finishing as draws.
Stat Attack
- Arsenal’s four match unbeaten run against Southampton in all competitions came to an end in December, losing 3-2 (W3, D1, L1).
- Both teams have scored in last three meetings with last two clashes being won 3-2 by the home side.
- Southampton’s Charlie Austin has score in his last three appearances against Arsenal.
- Alex McCarthy has made a league high 17 punches for Southampton this season.
- Both sides have scored just one of their league goals on a counter attack this season.
Prediction
Southampton are going well at the minute and are backing their results up with consistent performances, although Arsenal will pose a stern test due to their home form.
The last meeting between these sides in December was Ralph Hasenhuttl’s first home game as Southampton manager, so am expecting another competitive clash but Arsenal will eventually be too strong.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Southampton
Jake predicts: Arsenal 2-1 Southampton
Result: Arsenal 2-0 Southampton