Don't Miss

Arsenal predicted line-up against Southampton

By Ritayan Chatterjee on April 20, 2023

Arsenal will welcome Southampton at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League on Friday evening.

Following back-to-back 2-2 draws against Liverpool and West Ham, the Gunners have lost ground in the title race. They are currently four points ahead of Manchester City, having played an extra game.

Arsenal will face off against the Citizens at the Etihad Stadium next week and ahead of that game, Mikel Arteta’s side will be looking to return to winning ways tomorrow and extend the gap to seven points as Man City won’t be in Premier League action this weekend due to their F.A Cup commitment.

Southampton have been struggling this season and are currently languishing down at the bottom of the table. So, Arsenal will be a strong favourite to come away with all three points from this encounter.

Expected Arsenal line-up

Aaron Ramsdale is guaranteed to keep hold of his place in Arsenal’s goal tomorrow so Matt Turner will have to settle for a place on the bench once again.

Arteta has confirmed that William Saliba is set to remain sidelined against the Saints due to a back problem. So, Rob Holding should continue at the heart of the Gunners’ defence alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, leaving Jakub Kiwior among the substitutes once again.

Ben White is likely to keep hold of his place in the right-back position. Oleksandr Zinchenko – valued at around £35m by Transfermarkt – has returned to training after recovering from a groin issue but Arteta has said that the Ukrainian needs to be assessed to see whether he will be fit enough to feature tomorrow.

The Arsenal boss wouldn’t want to rush Zinchenko back, considering the City game on the horizon so, Kieran Tierney could start on the left-back once again. Takehiro Tomiyasu has been ruled out for the rest of the season so he won’t be available for selection tomorrow.

Thomas Partey is expected to continue as the holding midfielder for Arsenal and in front of the Ghanaian, Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard should complete the midfield three. Meaning Jorginho, Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe will be among the substitutes once again.

Following an impressive display last time out, Gabriel Martinelli should remain on the left flank and Bukayo Saka could be on the opposite side. Gabriel Jesus is likely to be the number nine for Arsenal so, Leandro Trossard and Eddie Nketiah could feature off the bench.