Southampton meet Arsenal in a final day dead rubber as the 2024-25 Premier League reaches its close.
Southampton will finish rock bottom regardless of the result, whilst Arsenal will guarantee second with a win or draw although defeat will be enough unless Manchester City achieve an eight-goal swing.
Team News
Kyle Walker-Peters could return for Southampton after he missed their last two games due to illness.
Jan Bednarek (knee) and Taylor Harwood-Bellis (ankle) are doubts.
Arsenal will be without Jurrien Timber after he missed their 1-0 home win over Newcastle due to an ankle injury.
William Saliba suffered a hamstring injury during that game and will too be absent for the Gunners’ trip to the Saints.
Mikel Merino is back from his one-match ban, but Gabriel (hamstring), Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu (both knee) remain sidelined.
When is Kick-Off?
Southampton host Arsenal at St Mary’s Stadium on Sunday 25 May at 4pm BST, untelevised live in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Southampton have won one of their last six meetings against Arsenal (W1, D2, L3).
- Arsenal have avoided defeat in five of their last seven trips to Southampton (W3, D2, L2).
- Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka have both scored in each of Arsenal’s last two meetings against Southampton, albeit at home in North London.
- Southampton have lost two of their last three games by 2-0 results (D1, L2).
- Martinelli has scored in Arsenal’s last two matches (W1, D1).
Prediction
With nothing to play for aside from pride, Southampton can’t be as toothless as they were at Everton so I wouldn’t be surprised if they repeat the tactics of their goalless draw at home against Manchester City a fortnight ago, especially given that Arsenal will be even tougher opposition.
Mikel Arteta’s Gunners though have second place virtually sewn up barring a final-day meltdown of epic proportions which makes me feel that there will be some rotation, but the Gunners should still have enough quality if they turn up and play their best football.
As good as it might be for Southampton if they can keep another home clean sheet, I just can’t see that happening and this should really be a routine outcome.
Prediction: Southampton 0-2 Arsenal
Result: Southampton 1-2 Arsenal
Leave a Reply