Arsenal v Southampton Predictions

By joshjdss [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
By joshjdss [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons /
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Arsenal move into a busy pre-transfer window period with a duel against Southampton. Here are the staff predictions from Pain in the Arsenal.

With deals lurking just a week away, Arsenal still have to take care of business in the next two match ups in order to secure maximum points. Pain in the Arsenal staffers actually rocked out the predictions against Manchester City, as three different writers predicted a 2-1 final. Let’s work some of that magic again with our predictions this week.

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Brian: Arsenal 2-0 Southampton

Thomas: Arsenal 2-0 Southampton

Arsenal will battle Southampton in what should be quite the match at St Mary’s. Ozil will keep working magic though, and the in form German will lead the Gunners to a hard fought 2-0 victory. Cech and the defense will have strong showings once again off the back of the Man City victory.

Finn: Arsenal 1-0 Southampton

Arsenal have just come off a brilliant win against Manchester City, but playing away at St. Mary’s is never an easy task and they will have to play just as well to come away with three points. Luckily, the Arsenal attacking force is on song at the moment and Southampton’s formerly stingy defense has looked susceptible this season.

Nasra: Arsenal 3-0 Southampton

Arsenal will be looking to keep up with league leaders Leicester on Saturday when they face Southampton at Saint Mary’s Stadium. Arsenal are in a perfect position to overtake Leicester at the top, given that the leaders will take on Liverpool, who will be tough to beat despite their rollercoaster of a season. The Gunners’ big win over close rivals Manchester City earlier in the week will give them a vital boost for Saturday, and I expect them to take all three points again this time around. Olivier Giroud is hitting form at just the right time, and I expect the Frenchman to find the net again to continue his goalscoring run.

Andy: Arsenal 2-1 Southampton

This is a tougher game than many realise. Southampton have underperformed from last season’s outstanding year. However, their squad still poses plenty of problems for Arsenal to handle, and the three points is far from guaranteed.

However, Arsene Wenger’s men are in fine fettle right now, coming off a wonderful win on Monday against Manchester City. They will want to keep the pressure on Leicester at the top, and anything less than a win would be a disappointment.

Jabari: Arsenal 2-0 Southampton

The Gunners have everything ahead of them.  With Leicester City’s loss at Anfield, Arsenal can leapfrog the Foxes and grab hold of the number one spot.  The players know how crucial this opportunity is and I expect a tidy and professional display from the Gunners.  I think we’ll see another goal for Theo Walcott and one more for Aaron Ramsey as well.  A clean sheet will propel Petr Cech into the history books and Arsenal to the top of the heap.

Josh: Arsenal 3-0 Southampton

Arsenal is far too dominant and Southampton is far too enigmatic for this game to leave too much room for question. Manchester City looked rather pedestrian against the Gunners and it would be silly to think that Southampton can look much better. Plus, I feel like some lingering spirit from last year’s New Years fiasco against Southampton is going to kick the Gunners into that extra gear.

Next: Predicted Starters To Face Southampton

Look for Giroud to score early. I’m going to be bold and say it’ll be from Ramsey this time, not Ozil. Not wanting to be outdone, Ozil will score the next goal all on his own and then slip in an assist of his own to Aaron Ramsey. Steady 3-0, no need for nerves.