Expected Arsenal line-up vs Southampton, Martinelli returns

Arsenal will be eyeing their 10th win of the Premier League campaign when they face Southampton away from home on Sunday afternoon.

The Gunners have been in incredible form during the first three months of the season and they are currently top of the standings with a deserved four-point lead over Manchester City.

They have the opportunity to sustain or even increase their advantage, but it won’t be easy against the Saints, who have beaten them in two of the previous three meetings at St Mary’s.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Expected Arsenal Line-up:

Aaron Ramsdale should return between the sticks after being on the bench for the Europa League win over PSV. The England star is an automatic starter in goal for the Premier League games and could also feature in Europe during the knock-out phase.

It should be a familiar looking backline from the last two wins over Liverpool and Leeds United. Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu will slot into the full-back positions with William Saliba partnering Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of the defence. Rob Holding and Kieran Tierney will drop to the bench from the midweek win.

Granit Xhaka has been in the form of his life. He made his sixth goal contribution this term against PSV and it was a crucial one indeed. His right-footed goal proved the match-winner. He is obviously a confirmed starter and the same can be said for Thomas Partey. Albert Sambi Lokonga will make way for the latter.

Further forward, the front four pick themselves. Bukayo Saka sustained a kick to his calf against PSV, but Mikel Arteta said that he should be fine. The Gunners graduate is expected to start on the right wing with Gabriel Martinelli on the left. The Brazilian was only a substitute in midweek after a minor illness.

Martin Odegaard will replace Fabio Vieira in the number 10 role as usual. Gabriel Jesus leads the line once again ahead of Eddie Nketiah. Jesus was sublime with his dribbling against PSV, but was letdown by his finishing. He has been a revelation since his summer arrival with 10 goal involvements already.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com