Before the season kicked off, you would have laughed at me if I were to predict that Arsenal and Southampton would occupy two of the three top spots towards the end of November. However, thanks to consistently strong team performances, this mere pipe dream has sensationally come to fruition. Saturday’s affair truly is a case of the irresistible force meeting the immovable object, as Arsène Wenger’s attack have been up with the most scintillating in Europe, whilst Mauricio Pochettino’s defence have earned similar acclaim for their performances protecting Artur Boruc’s goal. Emirates Stadium will play host to an attractive game, indeed, after a rather eventful international break in which key players from either side featured for their respective national teams, that will serve as the perfect return to club football.
Southampton’s meteoric rise
Nigel Adkins’ abrupt sacking left football followers across the country baffled and the subsequent appointment of the somewhat unknown Mauricio Pochettino wasn’t exactly the easiest pill for Southampton fans to swallow, but after just ten months at the helm, Southampton are looking as good as they ever have done in the Premier League. Strong in many areas, the Saints look quite the promising outfit this season and a large part of their recent success is because of Mauricio Pochettino’s remarkable ability to rejuvenate his players, transforming them from relegation battlers to European spot competitions. Most of the focus on Southampton’s brilliance this season has been on their back-line, something Pochettino can also be heralded as the architect of. Predominantly consisting of Nathaniel Clyne, José Fonte, Dejan Lovren and Luke Shaw, the St. Mary’s stadium outfit have conceded just five goals; better than any other side so far this campaign. Ahead of the defensive unit is another collective of equally as talented individuals in Morgan Schneiderlin, Victor Wanyama, James Ward-Prowse and Adam Lallana. Adjusting to the emphasis on possession-endorsed football, this quartet of midfielders have come on leaps and bounds over the past few months and will prove quite the test for Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey, et al. Leading the line more often than not is Rickie Lambert and Jay Rodriguez, who have built a formidable partnership this season, scoring seven goals domestically. They’ll meet their match in Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny, but it would be foolish to underestimate their abilities.
Arsenal backlash?
The recent loss to Manchester United shook many Arsenal supporters up, however to say that one loss has derailed their title winning credentials would be premature, to say the least. You could argue that beating Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund in the eight days leading up to this clash of titans played a part in the defeat, but now Wenger has a less jaded squad at his disposal and, consequently, a side better prepared for what could prove a very tough test. After missing the last game due to the illness, Per Mertesacker will be itching to get back in the starting lineup. Thomas Vermaelen, who deputised in his absence, filled the big German’s void tremendously well and perhaps doesn’t deserve to be dropped after doing such a fine job, despite the result. Further up the pitch, a more dynamic midfield that doesn’t include both Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini may serve the best route to go down. Mesut Özil was contained by Phil Jones partially due to the non-existent runners from deep, which could lead to Aaron Ramsey dropping back into his more accustomed position. This would leave a space on the right wing for a returnee, perhaps, in ex-Southampton forward Theo Walcott, who is coming back from an abdominal injury which kept him out of action for over two months. Approaching the match, Arsenal must be explosive and ensure that they ‘let off the handbrake’ in order to avoid the problems suffered at Old Trafford. It remains to be seen whether or not this will be the case, mind.
Team News
Arsenal
Arsène Wenger will have Theo Walcott back at his disposal after a period over two months recovering from an abdominal injury, which required surgery. Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey have also been passed fit after sustaining an ankle/foot injury/hamstring injury. Lukas Podolski isn’t ready to return just yet, but will make it back in the near future. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Yaya Sanogo and Abou Diaby still have a way to go in their pursuit for fitness.
Predicted XI: Szczęsny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Arteta, Ramsey, Walcott, Özil, Cazorla, Giroud. [4-2-3-1]
Southampton
Mauricio Pochettino will be without Jack Cork, who is out with an ankle injury, and Guly do Prado, who is sidelined through a knee injury. Rickie Lambert is expected to feature, despite picking up a knock with the English national team.
Predicted XI: Boruc, Clyne, Fonte, Lovren, Shaw, Wanyama, Schneiderlin, Ward-Prowse, Rodriguez, Lallana, Lambert. [4-2-3-1]
Managers’ Comments
“He is one of the players who goes behind the defence without the ball. Strikers who get behind the defenders is a very important quality and Theo Walcott has that quality. Of course you miss a player of his mould. Theo had a good start to the season, he scored goals, he provided chances and had assists. He can always give you a different option in the game and that is of course vital. First of all Jack is not injured, that was not the right information. Secondly, I have no problem with the FA, they respected completely what they told me and it was for Wilshere to play in one game and be on the bench in the other.” – Arsène Wenger
“I would say that the team that we’re going to play against on Saturday is the one that’s playing the best football in the league. I think they can win the league, but I also think that there’s other teams that are going to be in the running to win the league. I think it’s going to be a hard-fought competition throughout until the end of the season. It’s going to be very competitive and I think it’s going to be a very exciting end to the season.” – Mauricio Pochettino
Betting Tips
1. Theo Walcott is set to make his comeback against his former club. Will he return with a bang? The 24-year-old is 6/1 to score the first goal. BET ON THIS MARKET
2. Southampton have lost just one game so far this season. Will Arsenal become the second team to defeat the Saints domestically? Arsène Wenger’s side are 8/13 to pick up three points. BET ON THIS MARKET
3. Southampton’s defensive stability cannot be understated; they’ve conceded less goals than any other team in the Premier League. Will they be able to shut out Olivier Giroud and co? Pochettino’s stalwarts at the back are 17/4 to keep a clean sheet.BET ON THIS MARKET
4. Earning rave reviews for his performances with England, Adam Lallana is on fine form. Will he carry his momentum from the international break into the fixture at Emirates Stadium? He’s 9/2 to score at any time.BET ON THIS MARKET
5. Mesut Özil has caused a frenzy amongst Arsenal supporters since joining in the summer. Will he do the remarkable and score a hat-trick? He’s 80/1 to hit the back of the net on three occasions. BET ON THIS MARKET
