Arsenal were knocked out of the FA Cup this weekend by Southampton and in midweek, the Gunners will once again have to face the Saints, this time in the EPL.
Arsenal had found a rhythm in the past couple of weeks but the 1-0 loss to Hasenhuttl’s side have brought them back to the ground. And if Mikel Arteta is not careful enough then his side could suffer their second loss in a span of just four days.
Arsenal have kept a clean sheet in their last 4 matches in the EPL but the Saints have been in peak form at home during the 2020-21 season as they themselves have managed to keep a clean sheet in 6 of their last 8 home matches in the league.
The Gunners have not tasted defeat in their last five EPL matches and Arteta is also expected to make a few changes to his starting XI which slumped to a 1-0 loss at the hands of Southampton on Saturday. So, all in all, we expect a more grittier fight from the North London outfit on Tuesday.
EPL team news: Arsenal injuries & selection updates vs Southampton
Bernd Leno started in goal on Saturday and the Arsenal No 1 will keep his place in midweek as well.
Gabriel returned to the side during the weekend and he ended up scoring the ill-fated own goal which knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup. This time around, the summer signing should make way for David Luiz with Rob Holding holding onto his place.
Pablo Mari is still recovering from his calf injury and he’s expected to miss the next few games for Arsenal.
Kieran Tierney will return to the side for the EPL match after being rested on Saturday, replacing Cedric at left-back. Bellerin will start at right-back.
Granit Xhaka and Elneny played in central midfield at the St Mary’s during the weekend but Elneny will move to the bench as Thomas Partey returns to the starting XI.
Emile Smith Rowe has been playing in the attacking midfielder’s role for Arsenal in their last few EPL matches and the youngster will come back into the side on Tuesday after being rested during the weekend.
In the FA Cup game, Lacazette came off the bench but for the EPL clash at the St Mary’s, the Frenchman will start up front with Bukayo Saka hopefully playing on the right wing.
Aubameyang pulled out of the FA Cup game right before kick-off due to personal reasons and Mikel Arteta is not sure if he will be back for the Saints game or not.
If the Gabon international is not available then Gabriel Martinelli will play on the left wing meaning both Willian and Nicolas Pepe will be warming the bench this time around.
Stats via Whoscored.com.
