October 5, 2024
Arsenal will aim for a second consecutive Premier League victory when they face Southampton at the Emirates Stadium later today.
The Gunners currently sit third in the standings with 14 points, just one behind leaders Liverpool, who will take on Crystal Palace in the early kickoff. Arsenal can potentially go top of the table with a big win. This depends on whether the Reds fail to beat the Eagles at Selhurst Park.
Ahead of today’s match, Arteta has confirmed that Jurrien Timber, Ben White, and Takehiro Tomiyasu will undergo late fitness assessments.
David Raya has been outstanding in goal for Arsenal this season and he will be aiming for his fourth Premier League clean sheet. The back four could see a forced change. Timber was subbed off at halftime against Paris Saint-Germain due to a minor muscle issue.
He has also been left out of the Netherlands’ Nations League squad, suggesting he may not start today. Riccardo Calafiori made his debut at right-back in the second half versus PSG and he might play the same role against Southampton.
White and Tomiyasu are unlikely to start, given their recent return from injury. This means Jakub Kiwior, 24, could make his first league start of the season at left-back, with Oleksandr Zinchenko out injured. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are guaranteed starters at centre-back.
Thomas Partey was praised by Arteta in the pre-match press conference, with the manager calling him one of the squad’s key players. We expect Partey to pair with Declan Rice in midfield. Though Mikel Merino may replace him in future games.
Further forward, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are certain to start on the right and left wings. Arteta has opted for a front two of Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz to fill in for the injured Martin Odegaard. Both are likely to retain their spots.
Arsenal Predicted Line-up vs Southampton Formation: 4-4-2
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