Arsenal target their second straight victory in seven days when they host Southampton later on Sunday. The Gunners currently occupy the fifth position ahead of Chelsea and they will hope to defeat the Saints so as to boost their chances for a top-four finish.
The North London club were in action against BATE on Thursday and they managed a 3-0 victory to overturn their initial 1-0 defeat to the Belarusian side.
Unai Emery’s men narrowly escaped a disappointing ouster from the European competition and they will want to maintain their newfound winning form.
The Saints head into Sunday’s encounter from a shock defeat to Cardiff city two weeks ago while a win at the Emirates stadium remains unlikely considering their form all through the season.
However, nothing should be taken away from the visitors who are capable of pulling a shock result on Sunday just as they did in the reverse fixture late last year.
It should be recalled that the 18-place Premier League club ended Arsenal’s 22-match unbeaten run and that will motivate Ralph Hasenhüttl’s men later on Sunday.
Arsenal’s Probable line-up
Summer signing Bernd Leno is set to retain his place in goal after keeping a clean sheet on Thursday.
It is likely we see the same defenders who overcame BATE’s challenges on Thursday; hence, Shkodran Mustafi, Laurent Koscielny, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Sead Kolasinac are tipped to be in the starting lineup.
Former Sampodria star Lucas Torreira is certain to maintain his place in the team having put up match-winning performance against BATE.
Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka is a mainstay in Emery’s team and that won’t change on Sunday. He will continue his great understanding with Torreira at the defensive midfield position.
Guendouzi won’t play any role from the start as he is likely to be dropped to the substitute bench while want-away midfielder Aaron Ramsey return to first XI.
The Welshman who will be on his way to Juventus next season hasn’t been an integral part of the team since Emery replaced Arsene Wenger last year.
Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are set for starting roles against Southampton.
The Frenchman was unavailable on Thursday due to suspension but he’s tipped to return back to Emery’s first XI tomorrow alongside the Gabonese striker. This mean Henrikh Mkhitaryan will do with a place on the bench.
Inconsistent winger Alex Iwobi is set to give way for Mesut Ozil, who was influential in for the Gunners on Thursday.
The German star has had a woeful season under the former PSG manager but he put up a great showing on Thursday and he is set to retain his place in the team.
Emery’s Predicted line-up
Leno ; Mustafi, Sokratis, Koscielny, Kolasinac ; Torreira, Ramsey, Xhaka ; Ozil, Lacazette, Aubameyang.