Eniola Olayemi
Arsenal secured their progress into the last 16 of the Europa League after they carved a 3-0 win over BATE Borisov in the second leg at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday.
The Gunners were beaten 1-0 in the first leg and undoubtedly, the performance in the second leg must have boosted their confidence as they buckle up for an intense race for a place in the top 4.
On Sunday, they are scheduled to host a relegation-threatened Southampton side in their next Premier League fixture and will look to secure all three points.
With Manchester United facing Liverpool this weekend, bagging a win over the Saints would enable Arsenal to break into the top 4 once again if Ole’s men slip up against the high flying Reds.
Arsenal Team News
Laurent Koscielny is doubtful for the game after he hobbled off the pitch in the 56th minute against BATE Borisov. His fitness has been a cause for concern this term but Emery described the substitution as a ”precautionary” measure.
While Danny Welbeck, Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding and Konstantinos Mavropanos remain as long-term absentees Ainsley Maitland-Niles missed the midweek match due to illness and is a doubt.
PREDICTED ARSENAL LINEUP VS SOUTHAMPTON (4-3-1-2)
Defence
Bernd Leno is expected to return in goal in the upcoming league fixture after a couple of starts for Petr Cech in the Europa League.
Sokratis has been decent till now and if Koscielny misses out, he is likely to be stationed in central defence alongside Shkodran Mustafi.
Emery will hope to have Ainsley Maitland-Niles back but in case he is not deemed fit to play, Stephan Lichtsteiner will have to step up. Sead Kolasinac’s attacking impetus could see him earn a start at left-back ahead of Nacho Monreal.
Midfield
Lucas Torreira has been superb in injecting aggression and resilience in the central midfield area and he is likely to get the green light to start.
Considering that Arsenal face Bournemouth on Wednesday, Emery might rest Granit Xhaka which will see Matteo Guendouzi start in midfield. There is also a chance that Denis Suarez features, with the on-loan Barcelona star likely to play a role on the left of a midfield 3.
Attack
Mesut Ozil was decent against BATE but might have to make way here for Aaron Ramsey who should start in the hole behind the strike pair.
Alexandre Lacazette has plundered 10 goals and has registered 5 assists in 25 league outings and the Frenchman is expected to lead the line alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who has been well rested in the last few weeks.
