Overview
Southampton have had a relatively dismal start to the 2024-2025 season. They have only had 1 point after 6 matches, scoring 3 goals and conceding 12. Although it is only October, many people believe that Southampton is one of the biggest candidates to be relegated to the Championship next season.
Defeat to Bournemouth in the sixth round of the Premier League means Southampton have only won two of their eight competitive games this season. Both of those wins came in the Carabao Cup against Cardiff City and Everton.
Southampton’s chances of winning their first Premier League title this season are further away than ever as their next opponents are Arsenal. Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale will be well aware of the danger posed by the Gunners’ strikers and it is expected to be a tough match for Ramsdale on his return to the Emirates.
The Gunners just had an important 2-0 victory over Paris St Germain in the Champions League. Both of Arsenal's goals came in the first half and they proactively conceded the game to the Ligue 1 champions in the next 45 minutes. Therefore, Mikel Arteta's students will somewhat save their stamina.
Arsenal's upcoming schedule is relatively easy and they need to accumulate maximum points. Against opponents who are considered much weaker like Southampton, Arteta's team cannot afford to stumble.
The stats show Arsenal are in good form, unbeaten in 27 of their last 30 home games in all competitions. They have won 10 of their last 12 home games in the Premier League and are unbeaten against Southampton in 16 consecutive home games in the league.
Human resources situation
Arsenal continue to be without Oleksandr Zinchenko and Martin Odegaard through injury, while Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also doubtful.
On the other side of the front line, Southampton will be without Gavin Bazunu and Kamaldeen Sulemana due to injury. Will Smallbone and Juan Larios are both doubtful to play.
Expected lineup:
Arsenal: Raya, Calafiori, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior, Havertz, Partey, Rice, Saka, Trossard, Martinelli.
Southampton: Ramsdale, Sugawara, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Taylor, Downes, Aribo, Lallana, Fernandes, Dibling, Brereton Diaz.
The match between Arsenal and Southampton takes place at 9:00 p.m. on October 5 (Vietnam time).
