Pain in the Arsenal
Fansided

Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Southampton

By Rob Worthington

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 23: Mikel Arteta of Arsenal during Southampton v Arsenal, The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round, on January 23, 2021 in Southampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 23: Mikel Arteta of Arsenal during Southampton v Arsenal, The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round, on January 23, 2021 in Southampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Arsenal
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 23: Ryan Bertrand of Southampton is tackled by Thomas Partey of Arsenal(Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (CM) – It wouldn’t be too far-fetched to suggest Thomas Partey is Arsenal’s best player right now, would it? After coming on as a substitute in the FA Cup tie on Saturday, the Ghanaian elevated the team’s overall level quite significantly.

He just has an aura about him. His ability to resist pressure is second to none in this Arsenal team and his abilities in that respect could prove pivotal against Hasenhüttl’s pressing machine.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – Against Newcastle last Monday, we saw promising glimpses of what a double pivot of Partey and Xhaka could offer. Xhaka was poor against Southampton on Saturday, but with Thomas Partey next to him for the 90′ tomorrow, he’ll in all likelihood provide a much more convincing performance.

Emile Smith Rowe (CAM) – One senses Arteta didn’t bring Emile Smith Rowe on the Saturday trip to Southampton to ensure he had the proper rest which he needed. If he was named on the bench, Arteta would have been tempted to bring him on to put him out of the misery that is watching Willian play behind the striker.

Smith Rowe was dearly missed on Saturday and his return to the starting XI will be welcomed universally tomorrow evening.

Home/Arsenal News