Arsenal are ready to host Premier League relegation battlers Southampton on Friday, April 21, at the Emirates Stadium. Last Word on Sports tries to put together an Arsenal Predicted Lineup as the Gunners aim to get back to winning ways and put an end to a two-match winless streak.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Southampton
Good vibes in training 😃 pic.twitter.com/aQrYsxDUHh
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 19, 2023
How Arsenal Have Lined-Up Recently
Mikel Arteta’s side has started being plagued with some hiccups towards the final stretch of the Premier League season, but the gaffer has stuck with the key players who have helped them be at the top of the league all season long. The backline consisting of Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White, and Gabriel Magalhaes stays strong – while Rob Holding and Kieran Tierney are deputising for the injured William Saliba, and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
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The frontline of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus have rediscovered their groove after the Brazilian forward returned from his awful injury. They’re combining well and look set to continue playing together. However, in midfield, the energetic Granit Xhaka could find a new partner for this clash. Thomas Partey – who was hailed as “unbelievable” by former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure recently – could be benched for this after an error-prone performance in the draw against West Ham United last weekend and replaced by January signing Jorginho.
Arsenal Recent Form and Tactics
Arsenal have started stuttering a bit in the Premier League title race, having won three and drawn two of their last five league games – which has allowed Manchester City to catch up to being just four points behind them (with a game in hand).
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Arteta is unlikely to change his tactics for this game and will instead look to focus on playing a more attack-minded style than usual. He’ll urge his front four to be more advanced than usual and for the wing-backs to make persistent overlapping runs. The Gunners are likely to continue their tradition of fast-paced, quick-passing attacking moves which are normally created from wide areas.
Arsenal Key Players
Despite Saka missing a vital penalty in the West Ham clash last week, he remains Arsenal’s crown jewel in attack. The winger’s unpredictable movement, ability to dribble in tight spaces, and brilliant final delivery make him a threat. He will be intent on making up for his missed spot-kick last week with a clinical display.
Jesus has scored in his last three games for Arsenal and has rediscovered his ruthless scoring skills. His impressive link-up play and ability to get into scoring areas make him a threat for the Gunners. His Brazilian teammate Martinelli is a threat on the left side, with his pace and eye for goal looking set to cause Southampton plenty of problems.
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Martin Odegaard is the orchestrator in Arsenal’s attack, playing the clever final third passes and often getting into key scoring areas. The Gunners will be focused on persistent attacking football but need to be wary of Southampton’s counter-attacking ability, with defenders Holding and Magalhaes needing to maintain a strong backline to keep a clean sheet.
Arsenal Injuries to Consider
Arteta has confirmed that William Saliba is still yet to recover from his injury and can’t return to action for Arsenal anytime soon, while Oleksandr Zinchenko is also recovering from a knock he picked up recently. Mohamed Elneny is a long-term injury absentee for the Gunners.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup
Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White, Rob Holding, Gabriel Magalhaes, Kieran Tierney, Jorginho, Granit Xhaka, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus
