England Premier League
Saturday 11th December 2021
Kick off at 3pm GMT
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Match Preview:
Arsenal come into this game having lost 3 of their last four and all of their hard work in the last two months is threatening to come undone. On Monday evening the club lost 2-1 at Everton despite leading the game and there will be some concerns at the club.
However all of their recent defeats have come away from home and the Gunners will be determined to get back on track in front of their home fans and on paper at least this game looks like a good opportunity for three points. Recent form has seen Arsenal slip from 5th to 7th place though and a four point gap has appeared to the top four. The worry for Arsenal is that Tottenham and Manchester United are in their way for 4th and finishing in a top four position just feels like it is narrowing for the club.
Because of how the games have worked out Arsenal have lost their last 2 and conceded 5 goals but playing at home does tell a different story. They have won five games from seven played including their last 3 and have the 3rd best record in the league with 16 points won from a possible 21.
Southampton are in 16th place and whilst they have drawn their last two games they have not won a game for 5 weeks. The two recent draws came against Leicester and Brighton and perhaps some good news is that the Saints are at least scoring goals lately, they are also six points clear of the bottom three. On the road the Saints have won just 1 game and have lost their last two conceding six goals in those games. On average the club are shipping 2 goals per game.
Team News:
Arsenal: Gabriel Martinelli is expected to be fine even though he felt his hamstring vs Everton. Bernd Leno has a groin injury but is expected to recover quickly, it is the same problem for Emile Smith-Rowe, Sead Kolasinac is out long term with an ankle injury.
Southampton: Che Adams has a muscle injury and will be assessed ahead of the game. Stuart Armstrong is ruled out with a calf injury, Fraser Forster is set to miss this game with his hamstring. Alex McCarthy is also out with his hamstring. Oriol Romeu is suspended for this game after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season. Mohammed Salisu is also suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season.
Arsenal vs Southampton Head to Head:
Last season this fixture ended 1-1.
In the last 11 meetings between the teams Southampton have won just two games.
There is a 60% chance to see under 2.5 goals.
Arsenal vs Southampton Prediction:
Mikel Arteta will want to see a response from his team after recent defeats and we shouldn’t lose all hope with this Arsenal team who have been very solid at home. It is clear that Arsenal have taken small steps forward but are still a side who are going to struggle on the road.
Emile Smith-Rowe’s absence in the defeat to Everton was a loss for the club as the youngster has been in form and if he can return here that will certainly boost the club. The Saints are struggling themselves and they do not have a great record playing Arsenal away. The odds on a home win are odds on but are still quite favourable, so we will be backing the Gunners to get back on track and win this game.
Arsenal vs Southampton Betting Tips:
Arsenal to beat Southampton at 1.62
Anytime goalscorer: Emile Smith-Rowe at 4.00
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