Arsenal are back in Premier League action as they welcome Southampton to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. The match kicks off at 3 p.m. UK time.
Mikel Arteta will be proud of his boys after putting Paris Saint-Germain to the sword in yesterday’s UEFA Champions League clash.
A sweet 2-0 victory in a game of complete dominance by the hosts. They will carry their solid momentum to the next encounter against the newly promoted Saints. The Gooners have a better head-to-head record, winning 23 times in their past 46 meetings.
We are The Arsenal ❤️ pic.twitter.com/1hOT5GKysN
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 2, 2024
Mikel Arteta’s side is yet to taste defeat this season, but they won’t be silly to write off their next opponents due to the volatile nature of the Premier League. Southampton are one of the five teams that are yet to grab a win, lying in the relegation zone with just one point to their name.
They will be determined to give a tough challenge to Arsenal even if the odds favour the hosts this weekend.
HERE IS HOW ARSENAL COULD LINEUP AGAINST SOUTHAMPTON
Defence: David Raya; Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jakub Kiwior
Raya will start in goal after a fine display in the 4-2 win over Leicester City. Timber is turning out to be one of our best signings; he was monstrous in the PSG clash, and the Dutch star will once again start for Arteta.
Saliba and Magalhaes kept the French attackers at bay, not giving them even the slightest chance at goal. They are expected to take their place in the starting XI.
Riccardo Calafiori. 🇮🇹
Played even if he wasn’t at full fitness. Played out of position.
Played against one of the best wingers at the moment.He still delivered. ✨ pic.twitter.com/mkDMzW3Xpb
— Eduardo Hagn (@EduardoHagn) October 1, 2024
The North London side needs both of them fit and firing if they want to collect silverware this season. Kiwior will replace Riccardo Calafiori at the left-back spot after the Italian struggled with a knee injury in the game against the Foxes.
The former Bologna star played really well yesterday, but the manager won’t take a risk with his fitness.
Midfield: Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard
Partey along with Rice, have executed their midfield tactics with perfection. The pair looks solid, and with the addition of Mikel Merino, the team has further strengthened their options in the middle.
We expect them to start against Southampton. Merino might get minutes off the bench in the second half.
MUST READ: Arsenal defenders end PSG’s impressive goalscoring record in 2-0 Champions League win
Trossard linked up really well with Martinelli in the Leicester game, with the two attackers interchanging positions to lure opposition defenders to the wrong side. Similarly against the Saints, the Belgian might move forward in attack, letting Havertz operate in midfield when needed.
Attack: Raheem Sterling, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli
Sterling has waited patiently for his spot in the matchday team. He has got just one start and will fancy his chances to be named in the starting XI for the Southampton clash. Bukayo Saka will be given much-needed rest after his recent exploits upfront.
“So powerful but as well is so intelligent”🧠
Mikel Arteta on another TOP Kai Havertz performance💪🏻
🔗 https://t.co/Soe6qb3shH pic.twitter.com/uvGbIEtPl4
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) October 1, 2024
Havertz was spot on vs. PSG and scored a proper poacher’s goal. We should call him a striker now, shouldn’t we? Won’t be surprised to see Areta use him in a similar position in the upcoming matches.
Martinelli has returned to fine form after scoring his first Premier League goal last week. The Brazilian will cover the left side of the attack as usual.
