We’re almost into February and after twenty two games played, Arsenal sit at the summit of the Premier League table with 51 points. There’s still a match to play in January, however, and the Gunners will travel to St. Mary’s on Tuesday in a game littered with subplots. Most of which surround the hosts, Southampton, as the abrupt departure of revolutionary chairman Nicola Cortese has sparked rumours of a mass exodus at all levels of the club. Cortese took over the Saints when they were lingering at rock bottom of League One, with a -10 point deduction and masterminded their astronomical rise to the top flight in only three seasons. Highly acclaimed manager Mauricio Pochettino claimed that he didn’t see the point of remaining at helm if Cortese was to leave and though he has since retracted his comments, one has to question whether he’ll remain as coach in the summer. Luke Shaw, amongst others, has been heavily linked with a move away, Manchester United looking most interested in securing his services
Amidst the turmoil, Southampton travelled up to the North East last weekend to take on relegation battlers Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. If you had watched the opening thirty one minutes, you wouldn’t have believed that the Saints were a side rattled by uncertainty, as Jay Rodriguez and Dejan Lovren had given the visitors an impressive two goal cushion. What followed, however, did reflect the drama off the field as Sunderland mounted a remarkable comeback and managed to restrict their opponents to a measly point. Back to square one you would say, however a win against Arsenal could spark something of a resurrection on the South Coast.
Desperate times, evidently, however this is no incentive for Arsenal to underestimate and it will take the same level of focus to claim three points as it did in the reverse fixture. Arsène Wenger’s side have played to an immaculate standard since Christmas, winning all seven of their fixtures since and, gradually, more neutrals are starting to believe that this season will culminate with silverware for the North Londoners.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who swapped St. Mary’s for the Emirates in 2011, may play a part in the outcome of the match on Tuesday, having registered his first start since August in the FA Cup tie against Coventry City. It was where he was playing that stole the attention though, operating in the double-pivot alongside Jack Wilshere. Wenger believes that Oxlade-Chamberlain can emulate a fellow English international in that position, explaining to the Telegraph: “He has a good long ball, penetration from deep and a good quality to distribute and penetrate individually – certainly he has the same qualities as Steven Gerrard,”. Indeed, the future is bright and if Arsenal are to achieve success, having a wealth of options in the heart of their midfield may prove very helpful in the long run.
Team News
Arsenal: Aaron Ramsey [thigh], Tomas Rosicky [nose], Mikel Arteta [calf] and Thomas Vermaelen [knee] may be at Arsène Wenger’s disposal after missing action recently, whilst those who were rested against Coventry are expected to return to the fold. Theo Walcott and Abou Diaby, both sidelined through knee injuries, will not feature in any capacity.
Predicted XI: Szczęsny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Wilshere, Flamini, Gnabry, Özil, Cazorla, Giroud – 4-2-3-1
Southampton: Mauricio Pochettino will be delighted if Artur Boruc [back] and Rickie Lambert [hamstring] are able to return to the starting line-up, after sitting out the FA Cup tie with Yeovil. Victor Wanyama is expected to be back in contention for the first time since December after chipping a bone in his lower leg against Aston Villa. Pablo Osvaldo picked up a suspension for his bust-up with José Fonte, so won’t feature. Dejan Lovren and Gaston Ramirez simultaneously sustained ankle injuries against Sunderland and are still recovering.
Predicted XI: Boruc, Chambers, Fonte, Yoshida, Shaw, Schneiderlin, Cork, Ward-Prowse, Lambert, Rodriguez, Lallana – 4-3-3
Betting Tips
1. Santi Cazorla has scored three goals in his last two appearances, will he score against Southampton? The Spaniard is 16/5 to hit the back of the net at anytime. BET ON THIS MARKET.
2. In the last meeting between Arsenal and Southampton, the Gunners ran out 2-0 winners. Will we see a repeat scoreline? It’s 10/1 with Bet Victor. BET ON THIS MARKET.
3. Adam Lallana has been in great form recently, will he continue his good form? He’s 12/1 to score first. BET ON THIS MARKET.
4. Arsenal’s defence has improved drastically this season, keeping more clean sheets than any other side domestically, will they shutout the likes of Jay Rodriguez and Rickie Lambert? The Gunners are 13/8 to keep a clean sheet. BET ON THIS MARKET.
5. Jay Rodriguez is Southampton’s top scorer, domestically. Will he score his tenth of the campaign? The ex-Burnley forward is 11/4 to score at anytime. BET ON THIS MARKET.
