By Matt Smith
When the 2 sides met earlier within the season, Arsenal secured the three factors with a 3-1 victory. Southampton gave them a scare as Cameron Archer opened the scoring, however Mikel Arteta’s aspect turned issues round.
Staff information
Southampton interim boss Simon Rusk confirmed that Taylor Harwood-Bellis will miss out, whereas Jan Bednarek can be combating harm. It can depart Southampton in need of choices on the again, hampering their already leaky defence.
Information emerged this week that Jurrien Timber has undergone surgical procedure on his ankle, and Arteta confirmed the scenario in his press convention. The Spanish supervisor additionally dominated out William Saliba, whereas he was happy to see Kai Havertz return in current weeks.
Southampton a catastrophe at each ends
It’s actually been a season to neglect for the Saints. Gaining promotion again to the Premier League was an enormous enhance for the membership, however they’ve struggled to put a glove on nearly all of sides they’ve confronted this time period.
The Saints have saved simply three clear sheets all season, conceding extra and scoring fewer than each aspect within the Premier League. It’s no shock that Southampton had been relegated with seven video games to play, changing into the primary membership to be relegated that early within the marketing campaign.
Arsenal fall brief in title race
Though the Gunners sit in second place, Liverpool successful the league was a foregone conclusion for some time. Arteta’s aspect continued their phenomenal defensive report this season, however it’s within the last third the place they’ve massively struggled.
Arsenal have created simply 59.2 anticipated targets this time period, rating them seventh within the league for this metric. The shortage of a pure goalscorer has come again to chunk them. Though their attacking choices have all contributed, they’ve missed that 20-goal striker to assist them over the road.
Saka isn’t firing on all cylinders
Bukayo Saka has been an important participant for Arsenal since rising by the academy just a few years in the past. Lacking half the season because of harm, the Gunners have missed his output within the last third, however it’s secure to say he’s not been the identical participant since coming back from harm.
The England worldwide has scored simply as soon as within the Premier League since returning, whereas failing to offer an help. Arteta shall be desperately hoping the harm hasn’t impacted him an excessive amount of, and a full pre-season can see him get again to his finest.
Prediction
Though the sport doesn’t imply an terrible lot for Arsenal, they are going to nonetheless be seeking to end as runners-up. The membership will profit financially, whereas it’s additionally an opportunity to finish the season on a excessive. Southampton have picked up simply 12 factors this season, so we’re going for a cushty 3-0 win to the Gunners.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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