Arsenal have the chance to go four points clear of their nearest rivals Manchester City at the top of the Barclays Premier League when they make a tricky trip to St. Mary's stadium to face Mauricio Pochettino's Southampton. With sixteen games to go, the Gunners lead by the smallest of margins at the top and are in great form heading into this one. The victory against Coventry City on Friday was their seventh one on the trot and Arsene Wenger's team must keep up that sort of form if they are to bring the Premier League trophy back to North London.
The Saints meanwhile are lying in midtable obscurity at the moment. They have little to play for in the league as neither the European spots nor relegation are likely. Known for their creative play under Pochettino, they do usually entertain the home fans, but the club has been going through some dark times recently. The resignation of chairman Nicola Cortese and the Pablo Osvaldo saga have dominated headlines, however, they put that to bed by progressing into the fifth round of the FA Cup at the weekend. In the reverse fixture, Arsenal prevailed over an impressive Southampton side as they ran out 2-0 winners thanks to an Olivier Giroud brace. However, the Gunners were far from their best on that day with Giroud robbing Artur Boruc for the opener, whilst grabbing the second from the penalty spot.
Southampton
The Saints began the season very impressively but have faded away since. After a dramatic victory at Anfield and a well earned point at Old Trafford, they were reaching dizzying heights. However, a defeat to Arsenal started a downward spiral which saw the south coast club pick up just 5 points from the next 27 available.
The Saints began the season very impressively but have faded away since. After a dramatic victory at Anfield and a well earned point at Old Trafford, they were reaching dizzying heights. However, a defeat to Arsenal started a downward spiral which saw the south coast club pick up just 5 points from the next 27 available.
Southampton have been considerably weakened with injuries to key players. Gaston Ramirez and Dejan Lovren are both injured and miss the visit of the league leaders. Osvaldo is under suspension from the club due to his training ground misdemeanours. Lovren's injury in particular will be a huge blow as the Saintsare unbeaten this season when the first choice back four of Clyne, Lovren, Fonte and Shaw have started together.
Arsenal
The mega sponsorship deal with Puma which was concluded recently has boosted the club's finances but Wenger looks unlikely to make any major additions to his squad in the remaining days of this transfer window. The Frenchman is close to signing a new contract too and has decided to put his faith on the players that have carried them so far.
The mega sponsorship deal with Puma which was concluded recently has boosted the club's finances but Wenger looks unlikely to make any major additions to his squad in the remaining days of this transfer window. The Frenchman is close to signing a new contract too and has decided to put his faith on the players that have carried them so far.
The team has been boosted by the return of top scorer Aaron Ramsey, captain Thomas Vermaelen, and the experienced Mikel Arteta ahead of this game.
Tomas Rosicky is a slight doubt after having had a small procedure to repair his broken nose. Jack Wilshere picked up a knock on his ankle in the FA Cup win against Coventry, but Wenger is hopeful that he will be able to shrug off the injury.
Arsenal have gathered 25 points out of a possible 33 away from home this season. They have scored 23 goals on their travels which betters even free scoring title aspirants Manchester City. And, they have been very solid at the back conceding 7 goals from 10 games if one dismisses the aberration of the six goals conceded at the Etihad Stadium.
Form Guide
Southampton: W-D-W-W-L
Arsenal: W-W-W-W-W
Southampton: W-D-W-W-L
Arsenal: W-W-W-W-W
Match Prediction:
Southampton's freedom and presence upfront will pose problems to Arsenal just like it did in the reverse fixture and St. Mary's isn't the easiest place to visit. 3 points won't come easy for Wenger and his boys tonight.
#COYG
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