Arsenal predicted lineup vs Southampton: Nketiah in for Auba?

Arsenal are looking to improve on a sequence of three defeats in four matches as they host Southampton at the Emirates Stadium for Saturday’s Premier League meeting. Here is the predicted lineup.

Remember when the lineup practically picked itself each week? That was fun. There was some stability there and momentum was with the side.

After the 2-1 loss away at Everton, any number of changes could be made by Mikel Arteta as the result of form, injury and rotation. Poor form from senior players will increasingly dictate the choices.

Winning is utterly paramount having slipped from being within a win of the top four two games ago to now being seventh in the table. Some demoralising results and exceedingly average individual performances could call for action.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Southampton: Sambi Lokonga to return in 4-2-3-1 with Aubameyang dropping out and Nketiah leading the line?

One of those is Thomas Partey, who has produced two of his worst, if not his worst, displays for the club over the past week. Absolutely shot for confidence, he lacks the bravery in possession he previously displayed.

Injury concerns remain over Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli, with the former due to be assessed in the hours leading up to Saturday’s game to determine his involvement. As for Martinelli, he suffered a suspected hamstring strain against Everton but has been cleared to play against the Saints.

Kieran Tierney was withdrawn early in the second half at Goodison Park for what can only be perceived as being due to a lack of match fitness, so he will be available for selection. As will Granit Xhaka, who despite losing a lung against the Toffees due to how tired he was, is never not going to play, is he?

Up front it might have been a straight swap between Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyan, only for it to emerge late on Friday night that the captain missed training and would sit out the game.

& Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – We haven’t seen a lot of Ramsdale and his deliveries lately due to the styles other teams have adopted, which should change against the high pressing Saints.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (RB) – Has arguably been the best player for Arsenal over the past two matches due to his consistency in both outings. It’s going to happen soon where he might need rotating. We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.

Benjamin White (CB) – On the ball he showed moments of his class across the previous 180 minutes, with it being his work off the ball that was lacking. Still, he’s not being rested just yet.

Gabriel (CB) – Conceding five goals across the last two matches will be something Gabriel and the rest of the defence will be desperate to rectify. He’ll get his chance against the goal-shy Saints.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – With three mistakes in his past three matches, Nuno Tavares might have to make do with a period out of the team after Tierney did well in his first match back for a while.

Continued on next page…