Arsenal go into this game with a brief return of confidence after conflicting results last weekend and in midweek.
Their 3-1 defeat to Manchester United last Saturday showed that they need to be more ruthless with their finishing, as their 12-game winning run came to an end.
Positivity has been reclaimed however after a comfortable 6-0 rout of Bate Borisov in the final Europa League group game.
Southampton come into this game in relatively poor form, only managing to beat the teams around them in what could turn into a troubling time for the Saints.
Arsenal could be in for quite an easy ride, as the Saints have struggled to pick up any points against those around the top end of the Premier League table.
A 3-0 loss to Liverpool and a 2-1 loss to Manchester City will be music to Arsene Wenger’s ears.
Here are five things to look forward to in Sunday’s game.
1. Shkodran Mustafi
The German defender is a doubt for this fixture after being forced off in last week’s defeat to Manchester United due to injury.
This would be a huge blow to Arsene Wenger’s side and fans collectively, as they witnessed when United took advantage with two efficient counter-attacks which resulted in two goals.
This will worry the Arsenal manager, as he will need all defensive units ready and prepared for selection in order to continue pushing on with their relatively successful start to the season: through to the Europa League knockout stages and in contention for a place in the top four.
2. Eddie Nketiah
The young Gunners starlet has signed a contract extension with Arsenal for the ‘long-term’.
The academy graduate has impressed following the opportunities given to him in both the Carabao Cup and the Europa League.
He announced himself to the Emirates faithful by scoring two goals to overcome Norwich City and rescue their Carabao Cup campaign.
Whether Arsene Wenger decides to give Nketiah a rare opportunity in the Premier League, we will soon find out.
3. Arsene Wenger
The French manager has admitted that his Arsenal side are not thinking of the Premier League title, rather taking the next game into his stride.
It’s obscene to think that Arsenal should even be within a slight chance of a title challenge, given that they currently sit 15 points behind current leaders Manchester City.
Wenger is approaching this season in the correct manner, as Arsenal need to consolidate a spot in the Champions League places rather than focussing on greater challenges.
There is cause for celebration as Wenger has just claimed his 700th club win, and he will hope he can take his confidence into the weekend.
Twitter: Table: Arsenal finish top of Group H with 13 points. #afc https://t.co/Xie4XNNbLN (@afcstuff)
4. Mauricio Pellegrino
The Southampton manager has been riding on a wave of uncertainty and instability so far at St. Mary’s.
Even the Southampton fans were starting to get on the back of their new manager, with the first Google term after typing the word ‘Pellegrino’ is ‘sacked’.
The Premier League is really tough, and a lot of teams are in similar situations.
The most risk in football is to work in football, because you need results all the time. Everything can change or happen in one game, two games.
5. Nathan Redmond
The high-flying English winger has been at the forefront of the English press as of late, regarding Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola’s comments.
The Saints midfielder said after the event that Guardiola was “very complimentary” towards him after it appeared he was being attacked verbally by the manager.
Praise from such high regards as one of the best managers in world football currently should spell danger for the Arsenal defence.
Given that Shkodran Mustafi is a doubt for this fixture, defenders such as Nacho Monreal should be wary of the winger’s lightning-quick pace and excellent dribbling.