Arsenal vs Southampton predicted XI: Third time’s a charm?

Defense

Arsenal’s defense is battered, unfortunately, and that leaves very little room for flexibility. But, thankfully, not that much flexibility is needed. Arteta has the resources he needs to build out a strong defense that can withstand the Southampton attack.

On the fullback side of things, Hector Bellerin will keep hold of the rightback role, because Ainsley Maitland-Niles is all but forgotten and Cedric Soares apparently never existed.

On the left, Kieran Tierney should return to action, with there now being a week in between appearances. Even though Sead Kolasinac is definitely giving Tierney a run for his money.

In the center, there’s really no room for interpretation. Since Sokratis no longer exists, Mari is out for the year, and David Luiz is still suspended, Shkodran Mustafi and Rob Holding will hold down the fort and that’s a sturdy defense, even if there aren’t any other real choices in there.