Arsenal v Southampton: Match Preview, Team News, Predicted XI | Premier League 2018-19

Arsenal will be looking to get back into the top 4 of the Premier League when they host relegation-threatened Southampton at the Emirates today.

The Gunners will be high on confidence after their thumping 3-0 victory against BATE Borisov on Thursday night. With Manchester United playing Liverpool later today, a win could see Arsenal getting back into the top 4 and depending on the result at Old Trafford, Arsenal could find themselves in that last Champions League spot at the end of the weekend. The Gunners are unbeaten in their last 12 league matches at the Emirates and have won their last 6 matches.

Southampton has had a better run since the turn of the New Year with the Saints losing just once in their last 6 matches. The loss though came in the last game week against fellow strugglers Cardiff City which saw the Bluebirds jumping to 17th in the table, a single point clear of the saints. With Cardiff City losing to Watford, Southampton has a great chance of jumping out of the relegation zone with a victory against the Gunners.

The first encounter between the sides in the league ended with Southampton beating Arsenal 3-2 at the St Mary's last December, courtesy of a late goal from Charlie Austin.

Team News

Arsenal

Koscielny is fit despite limping off against BATE Borisov

Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny is fit and available for Unai Emery, despite limping off in the match against BATE Borisov on Thursday.

Ainsley Maitland Niles is doubtful for the fixture with the 21-year old suffering from illness.

Hector Bellerin, Danny Welbeck and Rob Holding are still out for the Gunners.

Southampton

The teenager could make his first start since December

Stuart Armstrong and teenager Michale Obafemi are back in contention for Ralph Hasenhüttl with the latter returning back to the team from a hamstring injury he suffered in December.

Mario Lemina and Danny Ings are expected to be out for the Saints.

Probable Lineups

Arsenal (4-3-1-2): Leno; Maitland-Niles, Sokratis, Mustafi, Kolasinac; Guendouzi, Torreira, Xhaka; Ozil; Lacazette, Aubameyang.

Southampton (3-5-2): McCarthy; Bednarek, Stephens, Vestergaard; Valery, Højbjerg, Romeu, Ward-Prowse, Bertrand; Long, Austin.