After Arsenal’s Thursday night victory against BATE Borisov, Arsene Wenger will revert to his tried and tested Premier League starting XI against Southampton.

Despite being beaten 3-1 at home by Manchester United last weekend, Arsenal’s starting XI is still pretty strong and I don’t see Wenger changing it too much against the Saints.

Shkodran Mustafi is sidelined with a muscular problem after he was subbed off in the 15th minute against the Red Devils. The switch with Alex Iwobi happened just after the centre-back handed the visitors their second goal.

Therefore, we’ll probably see Per Mertesacker step in. However, other than this, Wenger will mostly likely stick with Nacho Monreal and Laurent Koscielny in the back three.

mustafi untied
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 02: Shkodran Mustafi of Arsenal walks off injured during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on December 2, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

There’s no reason for Sead Kolasinac or Hector Bellerin to be swapped as we’ve not got any adequate replacements anyway, and Aaron Ramsey’s spot is pretty safe. Granit Xhaka will also get the nod and, unless something happens between now and the match, I can’t see the boss picking anyone but Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Alexandre Lacazette as our attack.

Although Jack Wilshere might be in contention for minutes as he was sharp on Thursday, I don’t see him starting. Nor will any of the other Europa League starting XI.

Predicted XI (3-4-3): Cech, Kos, Mertesacker, Monreal, Kolasinac, Bellerin, Xhaka, Rambo, Ozil, Alexis, Laca.