Arsenal vs Southampton preview, team news, tickets & prediction

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Arsenal welcome Southampton to London with intentions of banishing recent nightmares against the Saints. Here is a preview.

On Matchday 7 of the 2024/25 Premier League season, Southampton are away at Arsenal with important points on offer as the campaign progresses.   

Mikel Arteta’s side found little joy in their most recent matches against the Saints, with two draws and a defeat in their last three encounters. The last time they faced off at the Emirates saw the hosts score two late goals to avoid an embarrassing defeat to the relegation-bound side, as they slipped up in the title race against Manchester City. 

Arsenal have ended as runners-up in the last two Premier League campaigns, with that capitulation against Southampton contributing to the unwanted set a record for most time spent on top of the table without actually winning the league.

A reinvigorated Arsenal brought the fight to Pep Guardiola’s men the following season and ended a 12-match losing run against City to signify their ability to compete. However, 28 league victories were not enough to stop the Cityzens but it surpassed the record of wins by The Invincibles of 2003/04, while the Gunners finished in the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2009/10.

Relentlessness is the watchword for Mikel Areta’s men who look to make it third time lucky for their first Premier League title in over two decades. 

Their league campaign kicks off against Wolves and they then face some tough match-ups it is pertinent that they build up some early momentum to make another strong case this term. The aim is to halt Man City’s charge for a record-extending fifth consecutive title.

Southampton, on their part, will be keen for a fresh start on their return to the top-flight at the first time of asking. Russell Martin was appointed as manager following their relegation and the former Norwich player reinvigorated a side that looked depleted and had lost all hope, leading the team to a club-record 25-game unbeaten run between September 2023 to February 2024.

The 38-year-old installed a strong synergy between the players and the fans, bringing the whole club closer together. They eventually defeated Leeds United in the 2023/24 EFL Championship Playoff final to confirm their place in the Premier League.

However, the top flight is a whole different level compared to the Championship as the sides who previously played in a similar fashion to Southampton’s expansive attacking football struggled with the step up in quality. See Norwich and Burnley in recent years. 

Now, new signings are needed to take the Saints to the next level while they keep an eye on the future with young talents who can contribute to their cause. 

Southampton are up against a tough trip to Newcastle in their first game of 2024/25, and they will be desperate to avoid an uphill battle with some wins and good performances under the belt early on. 

Match tickets

This Premier League fixture takes place on Saturday, 5 October 2024 with kick-off scheduled for 3 PM UK time. Match tickets are available for sale on each club’s website but note that season ticket holders and club members will be given priority consideration. 

The Emirates Stadium has been the place to be for the Gunners faithful in the last couple of years when they emerged as genuine title contenders. Hence, they will be creating a colourful backdrop to inspire their team to victory. 

Despite a capacity of over 60,000, this game could be sold out long before matchday and we urge supporters to find Arsenal vs Southampton tickets on a resale site.

Team news

David Raya has completed a permanent move while Arsenal are close to completing a € 50 million deal with Bologna for Riccardo Calafiori.

Those reportedly nearing the exit door include Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah, which could prompt the need for attacking reinforcements for the Gunners.

Arsenal also look set to lose academy marksman, Chido Obi-Martin, to Manchester United after the 16-year-old scored 32 goals in just 16 Under-18 Premier League games last season. 

Southampton have been busy in the market as Adam Lallana has completed an emotional return to his boyhood club and he has been joined by Flynn Downes, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Yukinari Sugawara, Nathan Wood, Ronnie Edwards, Rento Takaoka and Charlie Taylor.

Southampton have confirmed that agreements have been reached with both Wellington and Juan when their contacts with Sao Paulo expire in January. 

The South Coast side is still in search of reinforcements and has made a £ 7 million bid to Crystal Palace for Jesurun Rak-Sakyi. Aaron Ramsdale has been linked with a move to the Saints after falling out of favour at Arsenal, and Brighton’s Jason Steele is an alternative should Ramsdale be unattainable.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also under consideration to return to the club following a disappointing spell at Besiktas. Meanwhile, Che Adams has left to join Torino as well as Duje Caleta-Car and Lyanco who have moved to pastures new. 

Line-ups

Arsenal have been the second-best team in the league for the last two seasons and continuity is required to get them to the next level of their evolution into a title-winning side. Nonetheless, a couple of additions are expected to make them even stronger next term. 

Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli

Southampton must be at full strength for the start of the season to stand a chance at survival from the early games. Recruitment is vital, and their possible 11 are below;

Southampton: McCarthy; Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Stephens, Taylor; Downes, Aribo, Lallana; Mara, Armstrong

Prediction

Arsenal are favourites against the newly-promoted side but their recent head-to-head meetings suggest an upset could be on the cards. Southampton are a possession-based outfit under Martin and would be able to hurt the Gunners when they get on the ball. 

This game could go either way, but Arsenal’s focus may just be too sharp for Southampton on the day. Perhaps a slim victory could suffice.

Arsenal 2-1 Southampton

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