Arsenal vs Southampton
Date: 23/11/2019
K/O: 15:00
Venue: The Emirates
Referee: Stuart Attwell
After a long and gruelling international break, the Premier League is finally back and Arsenal welcome Southampton in what has the potential to be an intriguing fixture in the capital.
Two managers battling to keep their jobs meet at the Emirates. Unai Emery has failed to win any of Arsenal’s last four games and the Gunners now find themselves eight points off the top-four. As for the Saints, manager Ralph Hasenhuttl finds himself with the same problem but at the other end of the table, as they sit only one point off the bottom of the Premier League table; a similar situation to the 2018/19 season which ended in Mark Hughes losing his job on the south coast.
Things looks promising for Arsenal ahead of the fixture though, as they are undefeated at home against Southampton since 1987 (W18 – D6). On top of that, the Gunners have won their last 32 games against teams in the bottom three, with their last defeat to such a side coming against West Ham back in 2007.
This has good implications for the Gunners, however as recent performances have shown, they are not a side who will go out and dominate 90 minutes. With two sides desperate for points, an open affair may be ahead with a lot of emphasis placed on strikers Danny Ings and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Southampton have accumulated 88% of their points on the road so far this season and will be rejuvenated after the international break. Prior to the break, Southampton had a horrible run of games, including Manchester City twice in one week, and the absolute annihilation from Leicester at St. Marys.
After facing Emery’s side, Hasenhuttl will have Watford, Norwich and Newcastle to worry about. Three games in which points are nothing short of vital. If the Saints can harvest a point at the Emirates this weekend, it could give them the confidence and motivation to power through. On the contrary, another battering would put their tails between their legs, and it could be the beginning of the end for Hasenhuttl.
Team News
Arsenal
Dani Ceballos will remain out of the squad until the end of December due to a strain endured on his left hamstring in the match against Victoria SC. Sead Kolasinac suffered a tight hamstring following international duty but is being subjected to additional assessment before Saturday’s clash with the Saints.
It’s no secret that Granit Xhaka has been unhappy with the fans surrounding Arsenal football club. Being appointed captain and then to be booed off the pitch would be difficult to take for any individual, but his reaction is what warranted him being dropped from the squad.
The Swiss international has not played since the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace. However, in a recent interview, Emery has said that it is his aim to reinstate Xhaka back into the squad. This decision is based on training sessions and Emery claims that his mindset has improved. It is all well and good claiming such a thing but regaining the support of the fans is going to be difficult due to the manner of his short-lived departure. Whether you love him, or you hate him, Granit Xhaka has heart, and a little bit of that might be the difference in a game with such circumstances.
Southampton will not be a breeze for the Gunners. Hassenhuttl’s side narrowly lost to Spurs and Manchester City and also picked up points away to Sheffield United. Organisational battles between two attacking-minded managers will certainly add some excitement to the clash this weekend.
Southampton
Southampton can boast a fully fit squad when taking on Arsenal this weekend. Their home form has been terrible this season, only picking up one point at St. Marys and their saving grace, if it can be called that, has been their away form.
Whatever is happening or isn’t happening at St. Marys can be forgotten about this weekend as Hasenhuttl will see an Arsenal side out of form and there for the taking. The high press has been one of the only successful tactics employed by the Austrian this season, so why hasn’t it been used more? Danny Ings is in form, a commendable achievement considering the lack of support from his teammates. A potential for Hasenhuttl is the partnership of Ings and Che Adams; two energetic strikers with the potential to make a difference during a game.
It is essential for the Saints to begin the game quickly as conceding early goals have been their downfall this season. With the momentum of international duty behind them, a huge push could see them walk away with one, or even three points. Club captain, Pierre Hojbjerg, alongside Jan Bednarek have both just qualified for EURO 2020 and will look to bring back their nation’s confidence and fire up a Saints side who just haven’t got going this season.
At what point does Hasenhuttl become accountable for the team? Saints fans have been calling for consistency in the line-up and after the break is the perfect time to start.
Predicted Starting XIs
Arsenal (4-3-3): Leno; Sokratis, Luiz, Chambers, Tierney; Torreira, Guendouzi, Ozil; Aubameyang, Lacazette, Pepe
Southampton (4-4-2): McCarthy; Cedric, Bednarek, Yoshida, Bertrand; Hojbjerg, Ward-Prowse, Redmond, Boufal; Ings, Adams
Score Prediction: Arsenal 2-2 Southampton
Arsenal will remain unbeaten against the Saints at the Emirates but not without an element of worry. Southampton will come out fighting but the quality within the north London side will eventually gain them control of the game.
