Predicted Arsenal line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Southampton, Smith Rowe returns
Arsenal will be aiming to return to winning ways when they host Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Gunners have lost momentum after the international break with three defeats from four league games.
They recently suffered a disappointing 2-1 loss to Everton, who had not won in the previous eight matches.
Mikel Arteta will be hoping for a strong response from his players when the Saints visit the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners’ home league form has been superb this season with 16 points from a possible 21.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
Aaron Ramsdale was recently voted as the club’s Player of the Month for November. The England international has produced several stand-out displays, but he could not have done anything to stop Everton from scoring. He will be eyeing his seventh clean sheet of the league campaign tomorrow.
In defence, no changes are likely from the Merseyside trip. Takehiro Tomiyasu produced another solid display from right-back. Ben White was initially caught out of possession for the Toffees’ winner, but he can’t be blamed for Demarai Gray’s stunning strike from outside the box.
White should continue to partner Gabriel Magalhaes in central defence for the 13th straight league game. Kieran Tierney’s substitution came as a surprise on Monday, having delivered a superb assist for Martin Odegaard’s goal before the interval.
Nuno Tavares, who replaced him, contributed towards the Toffees’ equaliser after handing possession from a throw-in. Tierney was probably substituted for fatigue, having not played a competitive game for a few weeks. The Scot should reclaim his spot at left-back.
Thomas Partey has been poor by his high standards, and he has personally admitted the same. Mikel Arteta could still back him in the centre of the park. On his injury comeback on Monday, Granit Xhaka played through the full 90 minutes. The duo appear in line to continue in midfield.
Gabriel Martinelli suffered a hamstring injury scare on Monday, but he has been deemed fit. Meanwhile, Emile Smith Rowe is still being assessed after a minor muscle issue, but he may get the nod if he passes the late fitness test. The £25.2m-rated star could start ahead of Martinelli on the left wing.
Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard appear definite starters in the right-wing and number 10 positions. The latter has hit form with goals in back-to-back games where the club have lost. He will be hoping to add to his recent tally against the Saints on a winning cause.
Alexandre Lacazette barely made an impact against the Toffees. It won’t be a surprise if Arteta recalls Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The club captain squandered a clear-cut scoring chance right at the end on Monday. He has not scored for six league games, and will be keen to redeem himself.
How Arsenal could line up against Southampton
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
Read: Mikel Arteta confirms fresh injury blow after disappointing Everton defeat.
