The Gunners narrowly avoided a shock result in the previous round of Premier League matches, before snatching maximum points in the depths of injury time against Leicester. But, will a home win be our Arsenal vs. Southampton prediction on Saturday?
A victory for the Gunners could see them end the day at the summit, but their hopes of achieving that will hinge on the outcome of Liverpool’s clash at Crystal Palace.
Russell Martin is already among the front-runners to be the first manager sacked in the Premier League, and his long-term aspirations of keeping hold of the Southampton job were negatively impacted following a heavy defeat at Bournemouth in the final fixture on matchday six.
Saturday’s clash at the Emirates will see the moneyline dominated by the home team, but could Southampton be the second straight-promoted team to cause issues for the Gunners in North London?
Odds: Gunners the Shortest Price Selection of the Weekend
A Southampton victory is the biggest-price selection of the weekend in the Premier League. Unsurprisingly, Arsenal are heavily expected to continue their excellent start to the season at -700.
| Match Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| Arsenal | -700 |
| Draw | +845 |
| Southampton | +1750 |
Gunners Dominate Overall Meetings
| Total | Arsenal | Southampton | Draws | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games | 46 | 23 | 9 | 14 |
| Premier League Games | 42 | 22 | 6 | 14 |
| Goals | 133 | 85 | 48 |
Despite being incredibly short in the betting, Arsenal haven’t had things all their own way against the Saints in recent years.
After going six without defeat in the league between February 2019 and December 2021, the Gunners have failed to win in the last three league encounters. Southampton landed a home win in April 2022 before draws were played out in the last two.
The most recent of those was ultimately a costly 3-3 draw for the Gunners, which inevitably handed the title to Man City in 2022-23.
🚨⚽ TIP: Both teams to score has been a winning selection in four of the last five meetings. (BTTS @ +110)
Arsenal Team News
The Gunners will still be without the influential Martin Odegaard for the visit of Southampton this weekend. Mikel Arteta has remained coy surrounding the club captain’s potential return from an ankle injury.
Jurrien Timber is expected to deputize at right-back once again on Saturday, with Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu both doubts.
Oleksandr Zinchenko isn’t expected to return until after the October international break, while Mikel Merino could be in line to make his Premier League debut after he made a cameo appearance against PSG in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Possible Lineup
David Raya (GK); Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori, Bukayo Saka, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus
Southampton Team News
Southampton’s attacking approach in games this season has been detrimental to their chances, meaning Martin may be forced to go more defensive this weekend.
His hands will be tied in the midfield area, with Will Smallbone, Juan Larios, and Gavin Bazunu unavailable. Live-wire Kamaldeen Sulemana is also expected to miss out this weekend with an ankle injury.
Mateus Fernandes struggled at the Vitality Stadium against Bournemouth, and could be the unfortunate star to be sacrificed on Saturday.
Possible Lineup
Aaron Ramsdale (GK); Yukinari Sugawara, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jan Bednarek, Charlie Taylor, Maxwell Cornet, Flynn Downes, Joe Aribo, Lesley Ugochukwu, Ryan Fraser, Tyler Dibling
Arsenal vs. Southampton Prediction
I really thought Monday was going to be the day when Southampton finally gained a first win of the season.
However, they were blown away in the first 45 minutes against Bournemouth. Defensive issues mean only Everton and Wolves have conceded more this term.
Arsenal don’t have the same clinical nature in front of goal as Man City and Liverpool, meaning we would be surprised to see them blow away the Saints this weekend.
Therefore, we could see another workman-like display from the Gunners to gain maximum points against the Saints.
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