Southampton host a promising Arsenal side this weekend as both teams look to build on their momentum moving forward. Having each registered compelling victories in their last league outing, both managers will be looking to secure a positive result on Sunday.
A crucial 0-1 victory over Bournemouth saw Southampton register their first league victory in five games on Thursday. Having struggled for consistency this season, the Saints will be looking to build on a much-needed victory this Sunday, with manager Ralph Hasenhüttl expected to employ a balanced approach against Arsenal.
Four points clear at the top of the league table, Arsenal will be keen on extending their lead before the World Cup break. Having won each of their last eight fixtures across all competitions, the Gunners will be keen on continuing their winning momentum with manager Mikel Arteta expected to name a strong starting lineup against Southampton this Sunday.
When & Where?
Venue: Saint Mary’s Stadium.
Date: Sunday, 23rd October 2022.
Time: 14:00 BST.
Match Officials
Referee: Robert Jones.
Assistant Referees: Lee Betts, Ian Hussin.
Fourth Official: Thomas Bramall.
VAR Official: Peter Bankes.
Team News
Southampton
Armel Bella-Kotchap, Valentino Livramento, and Romeo Lavia remain out of contention for the weekend owing to injuries whilst Kyle Walker-Peters emerges as the latest addition to the injury list having limped off against Bournemouth on Thursday. Ainsley Maitland-Niles remains ineligible to face his parent club, with youngster Lewis Payne likely to be the team’s starting right-back facing Arsenal.
Hasenhüttl is expected to name a strong starting line-up with Stuart Armstrong and James Ward-Prowse likely to form the core of the midfield while Che Adams is likely to lead the attack on Sunday.
Arsenal
Mohamed Elneny and Emile Smith-Rowe remain out of contention due to injuries while Oleksandr Zinchenko’s delayed recovery from a calf injury continues to sideline the full-back. Takehiro Tomiyasu is expected to retain his place at left-back, while the likes of William Saliba, Thomas Partey, and Ben White, amongst others, are expected to return to the starting XI.
Match Analysis
With both teams in need of three points, Sunday’s encounter is likely to produce an eventful match-up at Saint Mary’s. Hoping to improve their results over the coming weeks, Southampton will be keen on securing three points whilst the Gunners will be looking to avoid a hiccup in their excellent form moving into a crucial period of fixtures.
Likely to employ a balanced approach, Southampton will be looking to remain compact in their organisation on Sunday. Likely to adopt a counter-attacking approach alongside seeking opportunities to turnover possession in key areas of the pitch, the hosts will be keen on an early breakthrough against Arsenal. Expected to be wary of the opposition’s appetite to dominate possession, the Saints are likely to focus remaining solid in defence whilst being receptive to opportunities in testing the visitors’ defence on Sunday.
On the other hand, expected to remain proactive in their approach, Arsenal will be keen on securing three comfortable points on Sunday. Having proven their consistency in performances this season, the Gunners will be looking to continue improving their results in hopes of leading the league table before breaking for the World Cup. Expected to be wary of Southampton’s high press and attacking prowess on set-pieces, the Gunners will be keen on keeping a clean sheet whilst looking to bag three points this weekend.
Key Players
James Ward-Prowse – Southampton
A vital part of the team’s prospects, Ward-Prowse will be looking to deliver an impactful performance at the weekend. With the hosts likely to test Arsenal’s defence, the midfielder will be keen on creating goal-scoring opportunities whilst looking to make the best of the set-pieces on Sunday.
Bukayo Saka – Arsenal
Amongst Arsenal’s most promising players in recent weeks, Saka will be keen on maintaining his good form over the coming fixtures. With Southampton vulnerable in defence, the England international is likely to emerge as an influential player in improving the team’s prospects for a victory at the weekend.
Predicted Lineups
Southampton predicted lineup vs Arsenal: Gavin Bazunu; Lyanco, Mohammed Salisu, Duje Caleta-Car; Mohamed Elyounoussi, James Ward-Prowse, Stuart Armstrong, Ibrahima Diallo, Romain Perraud; Joe Aribo, Che Adams.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Southampton: Aaron Ramsdale; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Takehiro Tomiyasu; Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey; Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli; Gabriel Jesus.
