Southampton will be hosting Arsenal at the St. Mary’s Stadium on Thursday 25th June 2020, as Mikel Arteta’s side face another tricky away fixture.
Southampton are placed fourteenth in the league, all thanks to Danny Ings’ 18 goals contributions in 30 league appearances thus far. The Englishman has single-handedly shouldered the goal scoring responsibility and so far, he hasn’t faltered in his responsibility.
Danny Ings’ goalscoring form has led to England’s fans asking for him to be considered for national duty by England’s manager Southgate.
With Arsenal’s shaky defense that has conceded 40 goals this term, Danny Ings will be hoping he can as well take advantage of Arsenal’s defense proneness in order to add to his goal tally and to also help the Saints to move a step further to the top.
On the other hand, Arsenal’s forward Alexandre Lacazette has played a critical role in Mikel Arteta’s system and has in turn been mostly considered as the main striker above Aubameyang, with the Gabonese mainly operating on the left flank.
Alex Lacazette has scored 7 goals while also assisting 3 in his 22 league appearances this campaign. He has not only been scoring goals but has also been playing an important supporting role to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is in the golden boot race with 17 goals.
Lacazette’s contributions to the team allows others around him to get into the game while also going deep into the opposition half to defend, create an opening for a pass and to also drag the attention of opposition defenders away from their position which allows Aubameyang and Pepe to sneak beyond. This movement has yielded goals for Aubameyang but the influence and the sacrifice of Lacazette can’t be overlooked.
Southampton has conceded 52 goals this term, which is one of the worst defensive record among the Premier league clubs. After misfiring against Manchester City and Brighton, France international will be relishing the chance to add to his 7 goals tally due to the Saints’ porous defense.
The game on Thursday will be an important avenue for both strikers to show their goal scoring prowess.
