Team News
Arsenal’s injury problems mean they are without the usual suspects, which are Mikel Arteta, Mesut Ozil, Jack Wilshere and Serge Gnabry. The good news is though that despite a flurry of games in the past few days, Arsenal have remained without further issues- baring small ones.
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Olivier Giroud serves the second of his three-game suspension following his red card over the festive break, whilst that concern is added to by the possible absence of Danny Welbeck, who is a doubt with a thigh problem.
Aaron Ramsey and Yaya Sanogo are closing in on a return, although the latter is likely to be loaned out imminently. Ramsey is unlikely to start in the clash tomorrow and could make his full return in the FA Cup clash with Hull City at the weekend.
Southampton are without the injured trio of Jay Rodriguez, Sam Gallagher and Jack Cork. However, their biggest absentee is the loss of Morgan Schneiderlin, who is suspended for this clash following his red card in the Saints draw with Chelsea.
They also have concerns regarding the fitness of Jake Hesketh and Nathaniel Clyne.
Likely Line-Ups
Arsenal are sure to continue with Wojciech Szczesny in goal and if they are to shake things up it is likely to be in the FA Cup clash this weekend. David Ospina will likely get the nod there but, for this game, there will be no change.
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The Gunners will also be thrilled that they are able to name a full-strength back-line, following Mathieu Debuchy and Laurent Koscielny’s return from injury. They will be joined in defence by Per Mertesacker and Kieran Gibbs, with the quadruple needing to be on-form to keep out a talented Southampton side.
There is also likely to be no change in the deep-lying midfield pair, which will be the weak link in the side, as Mathieu Flamini and Francis Coquelin are expected to start. Aaron Ramsey is a possibility but it would be surprising to see him return to action so swiftly.
In attack there will be some changes though, as the absences of Olivier Giroud and possibly Danny Welbeck, leave Arsene Wenger forced to play his hand. The impressive Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will likely play on the right, with Santi Cazorla in the middle. Then, on the left, it’s a toss up.
Alexis Sanchez may continue there, as it’s where he has featured fairly regularly for Arsenal this term, and if that is the case then Theo Walcott will be the lone striker. However, it’s possible that the two may switch- although it would be bizarre to see Walcott on this side.
Arsenal XI:Â Szczesny, Debuchy, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Flamini, Coquelin, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla, Sanchez, Walcott
Southampton’s defence will consist of the impressive Fraser Forster, behind a back-line of Ryan Bertrand, Jose Fonte, Toby Alderweireld and Maya Yoshida. The organised back-line will take some breaking down and Arsenal will have to take their chances when they come.
With the loss of Morgan Schneiderlin, the deep-lying pair that mirrors Arsenal’s formation will consist of Steven Davis and Victor Wanyama. The changes will give Arsenal a boost ahead of the game, as it wouldn’t have been first-choice, though the same can be said for Arsenal.
The Saints attacking trio will consist of Saido Mane, who scored in the draw with Chelsea, Dusan Tadic and Shane Long. Ahead of them will be the impressive Graziano Pelle, who Arsenal will need to be wary of.
Southampton XI:Â Forster, Bertrand, Fonte, Alderweireld, Yoshida, Wanyama, Davis, Mane, Tadic, Long, Pelle