Arsenal suffered their seventh loss in the English Premier League, this time going down to Burnley at the Emirates.
The 1-0 defeat means Arsenal have now lost four out of their last five matches in the league and with this torrid form they will take on Southampton in midweek.
Arsenal have failed to score in 6 of their last 8 matches in the Premier League and to make matters worse, Southampton have been in terrific form away from home so far this campaign.
Mikel Arteta is under immense pressure to get a win under his belt at any cost but things will not be easy this time either since the manager will be without some key first-team players.
Arsenal team news vs Southampton:
David Luiz could return to the squad after an injury layoff but we doubt if he will be named in the starting XI. At best, he will find a place on the bench as Rob Holding and Gabriel play in central defence.
Hector Bellerin picked up his fifth yellow card of the season so he will not be available for selection against the Saints. This means the manager will have to deploy Maitland-Niles at right back which is a bit of an issue for Arteta.
Granit Xhaka is also suspended for this game while Thomas is sidelined with an injury which means Willian might have to play in the attacking midfielder’s role, in front of Ceballos and Elneny.
Nicolas Pepe returns from suspension and will play on the right wing while Saka is expected to play on the other flank.
Gabriel Martinelli played 45 minutes for the U21s after returning from injury and could be named in the matchday squad against Southampton on Wednesday.
Some experts think the Arsenal manager could push Aubameyang back to the bench and name Martinelli up front but given the crisis Arsenal are in right now, we don’t think Arteta will be ready to take such a massive gamble.
Arsenal’s predicted XI vs Southampton:
Predicted XI: Bernd Leno; Tierney, Gabriel, Holding/Luiz, Maitland-Niles; Ceballos, Elneny, Willain; Saka, Pepe, Aubameyang/Martinelli.
Stats via Whoscored.com.
