Arsenal face Southampton on Sunday, looking for another three points to keep their fight for a top-four spot going.
After a draw against Manchester United last Wednesday, Arsenal got back to winning ways in the league thanks to a Lucas Torreira overhead kick against Huddersfield Town. Nonetheless, Unai Emery’s side remain outside the top four on goal difference, after Chelsea managed an unexpected win over Manchester City.
In all honesty, this is unlikely to be a weekend where Arsenal’s top four rivals drop points, with Chelsea travelling to Brighton and Tottenham at home to Burnley. However, that just makes it all the more important that the Gunners get a win of their own to avoid falling behind.
Plus, with Manchester United facing Liverpool, the weekend will certainly provide an opportunity to either gain on the league leaders or leave Jose Mourinho’s side even further adrift.
Let’s have a look at our predicted lineup for the match.
1Goalkeeper and Defence
Bernd Leno should be back in goal for this one, to continue his recent run in the team in the league matches. There’s no suggestion that Unai Emery has changed his mind on his first-choice goalkeeper.
At left-back, Sead Kolasinac is likely to keep his place, as Nacho Monreal will probably be needed in the middle. The lack of centre-backs means that Emery will probably opt for a back-four, and Monreal is one of few fit players in the squad who has played the position in the past.
Alongside the Spaniard, it’s possible Laurent Koscielny will play, after he made his return to the senior side against Qarabag. Sokratis Pastathopoulos and Shkodran Mustafi are both suspended, and Rob Holding and Konstantinos Mavropanos are injured.
However, it’s a risk to play Koscielny twice in four days after so long on the sidelines, so Stephan Lichtsteiner will likely fill in instead. Hector Bellerin will complete the back four at right-back, as one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers this season.
Click ‘Next’ for Midfield, Forwards and the full Predicted Starting XI