Another Premier League matchday awaits as Southampton travel to Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal. Prepare for the fixture with our Match Pack...
THE MATCH
Arsenal vs Saints
Premier League
Emirates Stadium
Saturday 11th December, 3pm GMT
THE OFFICIALS
Referee: Jarred Gillett.
Assistants: Adam Nunn, Neil Davies.
Fourth official: Anthony Taylor.
VAR: Michael Oliver.
Assistant VAR: Scott Ledger.
WHICH KIT WILL SAINTS BE WEARING?
Saints will be wearing their third kit for the first time this season.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
It’s been a mixed season so far for Mikel Arteta’s side, who currently sit seventh in the Premier League standings.
Initially struggling in the opening games, Arsenal began to find form as they picked up points and climbed their way up the table in recent weeks.
Recently suffering two defeats to Everton and Manchester United, the hosts will be looking to bounce back and secure victory over Southampton at the Emirates.
Saints might feel hard done by in their last two matches, only managing draws with both Leicester City and Brighton despite claiming early advantages in both games.
Desperate for a win to see them push up the Premier League table, Ralph Hasenhüttl will be eager for his team to step up to the test on Saturday.
TEAM NEWS
Sead Kolasinac is Arsenal’s only long term absentee as he continues to recover from a significant injury to his ankle.
Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli and Bernd Leno could all be available for the hosts as they look to be assessed ahead of Saturday’s clash.
It’s been a busy week at Staplewood as Ralph Hasenhüttl made the short-term signing of Willy Caballero to stand in for injured Alex McCarthy and Fraser Forster.
Stuart Armstrong and Jan Bednarek are suffering from respective calf injuries and will also be unable to feature in the capital.
Saints will also be without Oriol Romeu and Mohammed Salisu after picking up their fifth yellow cards of the season against Brighton.
THE MANAGERS
Mikel Arteta: To follow.
Ralph Hasenhüttl: “They have a very good side and have found their shape. This is a tough challenge for us, at home they are strong.
"We need to have a good performance and have shown this against the top teams this season also so we can go there with self-confidence.”
ONES TO WATCH
Bukayo Saka: The 20-year-old England international has become a fan favourite this season, already netting three times and claiming two assists.
The diverse youngster impresses pitchwide for Mikel Arteta's side and is sure to be a threat on Saturday.
Nathan Redmond: Nathan Redmond has been pulling the strings for Saints in recent weeks, making four assists in his last four home appearances.
Can he transfer his impressive home form into performances on the road?
Arsenal:
Goals:
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 7
Emile Smith Rowe 6
Saka, Lacazette, Ødergaard 3
Assists:
Nicolas Pépé 3
Aubameyang, Smith Rowe, Saka 2
Southampton:
Goals:
Armando Broja 5
Elyounoussi, Adams 4
Ward-Prowse, Armstrong 2
Assists:
Nathan Redmond 5
Elyounoussi, Ward-Prowse, Armstrong 2
HEAD TO HEAD
Played: 102
Arsenal: 52
Draws: 28
Saints: 22
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
January 2021: Saints 1-3 Arsenal (Armstrong)
January 2021: Saints 1-0 Arsenal (Gabriel OG)
December 2020: Arsenal 1-1 Saints (Walcott)
June 2020: Saints 0-2 Arsenal
November 2019: Arsenal 2-2 Saints (Ings, Ward-Prowse)
KEEP UP TO DATE
Can't make the game? We’ve got you covered! We’ll bring you all of the action from Emirates Stadium, as well as a host of behind-the-scenes access.
Check out our interactive match centre at southamptonfc.com, with all of the live in-game updates and free audio commentary of the match, and be sure to follow us on social media for further updates and exclusive content:
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