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    BREAKING NEWS: Predicted Arsenal vs Southampton lineup as Arteta commits to securing three points before the international break

    BBy B4 October 2024No Comments4 Mins Read

    Arsenal is set to take on Southampton in a Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, with the Gunners keen to extend their unbeaten streak and secure another victory.

    Meanwhile, Southampton is eager to end their run of poor form and gain some much-needed points.

    Arsenal enters this game following a 2-0 triumph over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, while Southampton is recovering from a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Bournemouth.

    Match Preview:

    Arsenal’s recent win against PSG showcased their ability to exploit their opponents’ errors.

    PSG, despite their strong reputation in French football, struggled to break through Arsenal’s defense.

    The Gunners’ first goal came after PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma misjudged a cross from Leandro Trossard, allowing Kai Havertz to capitalize.

    Later, Donnarumma fumbled again, letting a Bukayo Saka free kick slip past him for Arsenal’s second goal.

    Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, was notably relaxed after the game, reflecting his team’s composed and confident performance.

    The win marked Arsenal’s third consecutive home victory, having also secured a high-scoring win over Leicester City the previous weekend.

    Currently sitting third in the Premier League table, Arsenal trails only Liverpool and Manchester City by a single point.

    They have been unbeaten in 15 matches since their Champions League exit in April, with their home form being particularly strong.

    A victory on Saturday would mark Arsenal’s 400th Premier League home win, a feat achieved by only Manchester United so far.

    Southampton, on the other hand, has been struggling, especially in away matches.

    Their recent 3-1 loss to Bournemouth in a South Coast derby revealed significant weaknesses in their defense.

    Bournemouth’s attack overwhelmed Southampton, scoring three goals in the first half.

    Although Taylor Harwood-Bellis managed to pull one back for Southampton early in the second half, they were unable to mount a full comeback.

    Southampton currently hovers near the bottom of the Premier League standings, with only Wolverhampton Wanderers keeping them from last place on goal difference.

    Manager Russell Martin is under increasing pressure, and a heavy loss to Arsenal could put his job in jeopardy.

    Southampton has the lowest conversion rate in the league, scoring only 4.4% of their chances, which underlines their struggles in attack.

    Despite this, they can find some confidence in the fact that they haven’t lost to Arsenal in their last three meetings.

    However, Southampton has not won an away league match against Arsenal since 1987.

    Team News:

    Arsenal is dealing with several injuries, particularly in defense.

    Full-backs Oleksandr Zinchenko (calf), Kieran Tierney (hamstring), and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) are all sidelined, while Ben White (groin) and Jurrien Timber (muscle) are also doubtful.

    Timber was substituted at halftime during the PSG match, with Mikel Merino making his debut.

    Merino could start against Southampton, potentially replacing Thomas Partey.

    Arsenal will also be without captain Martin Odegaard (ankle), but Kai Havertz is expected to continue his strong form at home.

    Havertz could become the first Arsenal player since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in 2019 to score in five consecutive Premier League home games.

    Southampton has their own challenges, with defender Jack Stephens serving a five-match ban for using offensive language in a game against Manchester United.

    Midfielder Will Smallbone is doubtful due to a thigh injury, while Gavin Bazunu (Achilles) and Kamaldeen Sulemana (ankle) remain sidelined.

    Former Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, now with Southampton, is set to face his former club.

    He will aim to join a select group of goalkeepers, including Emiliano Martinez, who have kept a clean sheet against their old team.

    Predicted 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.

    With Arsenal looking to maintain their strong home form and Southampton struggling to find consistency, the Gunners appear to be the clear favorites in this upcoming fixture at the Emirates.

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