Squawka
·4 October 2024
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·4 October 2024
In-form Arsenal host struggling Southampton in the Premier League at the Emirates on Saturday 5th October in a 3pm kick-off.
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; Calafiori, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Merino, Rice, Saka; Trossard, Havertz, Martinelli
Southampton (4-2-3-1): Ramsdale; Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Taylor; Downes, Aribo; Lallana, Fernandes, Archer; Brereton Diaz
The Gunners remain unbeaten in all competitions this season and will be looking for their fourth successive home victory. The Gunners have recently seen off Bolton in the EFL Cup, Leicester City in the Premier League and then Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
Mikel Arteta’s side are third in the table, behind only second-placed Manchester City on goal difference and a point off early leaders Liverpool. Southampton, meanwhile, are second-bottom and yet to win following their promotion back to the Premier League.
The visitors were lambasted by boss Russell Martin following Monday’s dismal 1-3 defeat at Bournemouth. But things could be about to get worse for Saints when they come up against one of the title contenders.
Arsenal have plenty of injury problems in defence for the clash with the Saints. Jurrien Timber suffered a muscle strain against PSG, which forced him off at half-time, so he is a major doubt. Benjamin White missed Tuesday’s game due to a groin injury and could be forced to sit out again.
If Timber fails to make it, Jakub Kiwior should start after coming on for the Netherlands international against PSG. Summer signing Mikel Merino is pushing for a start after he replaced Thomas Partey in the second half of Tuesday’s victory.
Captain Martin Odegaard remains absent with his ankle injury but Gunners boss Mikel Arteta still has a host of attacking talent to call upon with Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli all expected to start.
Southampton defender Jack Stephens is suspended after he was given an extra two-game ban on top of the three he had already served for using abusive and insulting language towards the officials following his sending off against Manchester United.
Martin was furious with his side’s performance in the first half against Bournemouth so he could ring the changes for Saturday’s clash. Adam Lallana, Joe Aribo, Cameron Archer and Ben Brereton Diaz are among those tipped for recalls to the starting XI.
Will Smallbone is making progress from his thigh injury but the trip to the Emirates is likely to come too soon for him, while Saints remain without Gavin Bazunu and Kamaldeen Sulemana due to injury.
Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is set to line up against his former club following his summer move to Southampton from the Gunners.