Southampton vs Arsenal Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man & Prediction

Arsenal are on the south coast to take on Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium looking to go four points clear at the top of the league. 

The Gunners have won five league games on the bounce to remain one-point ahead of second-placed Manchester City but with Manuel Pellegrini’s men not playing until Wednesday when they take on Spurs, we’ve got the chance to extend our lead tonight.

Two goals from Lukas Podolski helped us ease past Coventry 4-0 at the Emirates in the FA Cup on Friday night, but Arsene Wenger will be hoping to make it four consecutive victories on the road following wins over West Ham, Newcastle and Aston Villa in recent weeks.

Arsenal also won the reverse fixture against Southampton 2-0 back in November and should be confident of getting a result tonight having already seen Man City, Chelsea and Spurs all take something away from St Mary’s already this season.

Team News

Jack Wilshere is a doubt for the game after picking up an ankle knock against Coventry on Friday night. His absence could be evened-out by the return of Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey from injury after the duo recovered from calf and thigh injuries respectively.

Thomas Vermaelen is also in contention having returned to training following a knee injury but Theo Walcott and Abou Diaby remain on the sidelines.

Arsene Wenger didn’t give an update on Tomas Rosicky – who’s missed the last three games with a broken nose, while there was no word on Matheu Flamini either after the midfielder missed the Coventry game with a hamstring problem, so it’s unclear whether the pair are in the squad tonight.

Southampton are able to welcome Victor Wanyama back into the squad but he may have to make-do with a place on the bench following a seven-week lay-off.

Striker Rickie Lambert is a doubt with a hamstring problem and will be assessed ahead of kick off but Artur Boruc is expected to come back in having missed the 2-0 win over Yeovil with a hand injury.

Dejan Lovren and Gaston Ramirez are out injured and Dani Osvaldo is suspended following a clash with a team-mate in training.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Santi Cazorla: The Spaniard has been returning to something like his best form in recent weeks and I think he’ll be a key player in this game. His combinations with Ozil in attack will be vital if we’re going to unlock the Saints defence.

Predicted Score

Southampton 0-2 Arsenal: The home side will put up a good fight but I think Arsenal will prove to be too much for them to handle and head back to London with all three points.

What team would you like to see start and what do you think the score will be? Share your suggestions below.