Southampton go into Tuesday’s match against Arsenal after
defeating Yeovil Town 2-0 at home in their Fourth Round FA Cup match, taking
their unbeaten run to four matches in all competitions and they have scored at least
two goals in three of those four matches. Southampton, despite their excellent start
to the season, have stagnated recently and are in a solid, mid-table position.
With 31 points they are currently out of the race for a European place, but they
are safe from a relegation battle.
Arsenal also came through the fourth round of the FA Cup
with a comfortable 4-0 home win against Coventry on Friday, and they will most
likely need a win to stay at the top of the table in the Premier League. They
have the chance to keep the pressure on Chelsea and Manchester City, who don’t
play until Wednesday, by winning and ensuring that they stay top.
What to expect
Southampton love to press and they will do this throughout
the match, making it difficult for Arsenal to get forward. The Saints are
second in the league in terms of tackles per game, with 21.3, but they are also
third in terms of fouls with 12.6 fouls per game. Arsenal will need to be able
to break down Southampton’s solid defensive pressing while also being wary of
losing goals with the Saints quick attacking play. They have an extremely tough
February and March fixture list and so they cannot afford to go dropping any
points in games like this one.
For Southampton, Victor Wanyama is unlikely to return just
yet, but is in with an outside chance while Pablo Osvaldo has been suspended by
the club and continues to miss out. Central defender Dejan Lovren is out with
ligament damage, but goalkeeper Artur Boruc is fine to return to the starting lineup.
Arsenal’s injury problems are subsiding and they have a near
fully fit squad as more players return to action. Arsene Wenger has a selection
dilemma in midfield given Aaron Ramsey’s return from injury, and he’ll be vying
for a place with the likes of Flamini, Wilshere and Arteta. Theo Walcott is the
Gunners’ only significant injury absentee.
Match Prediction
Southampton would prefer to push for a higher finish than
just settle for middle of the table, but they are unlikely to have enough in
the locker to manage a win against a high-flying Arsenal team.
Southampton 1-3
Arsenal
