Southampton vs Arsenal: 4 huge selection decisions

Arsenal's English midfielder Emile Smith Rowe (R) celebrates with Arsenal's French striker Alexandre Lacazette (L) after scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Brentford at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 19, 2022. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 23: Albert Sambi Lokonga of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Burnley at Emirates Stadium on January 23, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images) /

2. 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1?

It’s more a question of a double pivot or not. If Xhaka plays left-back then it could be a continuation of the hybrid 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 shape that was seen in the first half against Brighton, one that places huge responsibility on Sambi’s shoulders.

That first half did see Odegaard drop deeper to try and aid his teammate in that area, a position that history has told us does not work. Without the presence of Partey or Xhaka in there it’s clear how much more reserved the Belgian is in possession.

As soon as the Swiss moved back into midfield(ish) against the Seagulls Sambi came alive. By no means a vintage display, he still began making positive decisions in possession, carrying the ball with purpose and shifting it side to side with more pace.

Given Xhaka looks almost certain to be in defence, Arteta has a decision to make on whether he sticks to his guns in midfield and hands the Partey reins back over to Sambi. There is belief in his talent that he can develop into a fine player one day, it’s just that he needs time and the right exposure.

A do-or-die away game against a high intensity Saints team doesn’t come across as the fitting environment for that.

Prediction: More of the same 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 hybrid

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