Predicted XI: Arsenal v Southampton – new signings set to start

GK – Cech
Despite only recording one clean sheet so far this season, he has once again demonstrated his strong shot stopping ability from both long and close range and excellent concentration.

RB – Bellerin
Despite my personal preference for the more defensively solid Debuchy, the young Spaniard has had a promising start to the season. His per game interceptions and forward dribbles down the right flank have been the highlight. Would like to see him improve his tackling output and deliver more accurate crosses into the box.

CB – Mustafi
A strong start to the season for Arsenal’s new signing despite only appearing once as a substitute for Valencia. Despite his limited game time he still managed to record an impressive 4 tackles and 2 interceptions. Looking forward to seeing him in action for Arsenal.

CB – Kosicelny
Despite recording lower than his normal per game tackles and interceptions so far this season, Koscielny has dramatically increased his per game defensive clearances (10 – his average usually hovers around the 6 per game mark). Seems to be reflective of a more no nonsense defensive approach. Long may it continue.

LB – Monreal
An extremely strong start to the season defensively for Nacho who is averaging 3.7 tackles and 3.7 interceptions per game. Offensively though he needs to improve his output as he is yet to even attempt a cross this season.

CDM – Xhaka
A solid start to the season for Xhaka who has so far averaged 2.7 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 1.7 key passes per game. His tackling and key passing have been particularly impressive with his key passing a considerable improvement on his career average of 0.8 per game. If he can up his interceptions and maintain his performance levels in a tackling and key passing sense he will be performing his role precisely.

CDM – Cazorla
I’ve gone for Cazorla as Xhaka’s central midfield partner in crime. The two footed Spaniard has had an indifferent start to the season with impressive tackling (an average of 2.3 per game) but disappointing intercepting (0.3 per game) and key passing (1 per game). With Ramsey returning to fitness Cazorla needs a big game versus Southampton to keep his spot.

CAM – Ozil
Effective in his first start of the season with a goal from his only attempt but was underwhelming in a creative sense with only 1 key pass, down on his average of 4 per game last season. Hoping for an improved performance versus the Saints.

RW – Walcott
Productive in attack so far this season with a goal versus Liverpool, an assist versus Watford, 6 out of his 8 shots on target and a number of incisive off the ball runs behind the opposition’s defensive line.

CF – Sanchez
Much improved attacking display versus Watford where he scored a goal from his 3 shots on target from 3 attempts to go with a quality assist for Ozil’s goal. IMO Arsenal’s best CF option despite Perez’s arrival and Giroud’s presence.7

LW – Perez
Like Mustafi, it’s been a strong start to the season for Arsenal’s new signing despite only one appearance for Deportivo. A goal, an assist and 3 key passes already, bodes well for the coming season. Looking forward to better understanding his style of play.