Predicted Arsenal XI vs Southampton: Tierney makes rare Premier League start

Jesse Marsch’s Leeds may have discovered a formula to unnerving Mikel Arteta’s table-topping Arsenal. but executing such a plan is no easy feat.

The Gunners produced yet another dominant display in the week as they secured progression into the Europa League knockouts with a 1-0 win over PSV Eindhoven.

Gabriel, Granit Xhaka, Gabriel Jesus, and Bukayo Saka all started the bout in what was a strong starting XI, but Arteta will now be able to rest his first team for the remainder of the group stage with his side needing just a point from their final two games to finish top of Group A.

Thus, there’s a chance we could see a performance that perhaps resembles the one at Elland Road last Sunday, but the visitors will be confident of walking away from St. Mary’s with all three points given Southampton’s injury woes.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Southampton

Here’s the starting XI Arteta could pick for Arsenal’s trip to Southampton on Sunday

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – Matt Turner registered another clean sheet in the week but the Premier League gig is still very much Ramsdale’s.

Ben White (RB) – White was put to the test against Luis Sinisterra last Sunday in what was a rare sub-par showing from the Englishman. He’ll be looking for a bounce-back display this weekend.

William Saliba (CB) – Like White, Saliba struggled at Elland Road and will be determined to return to his usual assertive self at St. Mary’s.

Gabriel (CB) – The Brazilian has produced back-to-back sturdy performances after a little wobble and will partner Saliba on Sunday.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – Oleksandr Zinchenko could return to the squad, but Tierney deserves to start for the first time in the Premier League since Brentford. The Scot has impressed in the Europa League.

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (DM) – Arteta is wisely managing the Ghanaian’s minutes to maximise his talent when he needs him most. Partey will play a key role in breaking Southampton’s press on Sunday.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – Xhaka produced yet another excellent display in the week and is a sure bet to start in midfield at St. Mary’s.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – The skipper is yet to feel the pressure from Fabio Vieira and, for the time being, is comfortably ahead of the summer arrival in the depth chart. Odegaard has five goal contributions in ten Premier League appearances this season.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – Arteta challenged Saka after the PSV win in terms of minutes as the England international played the vast majority of the contest. He’s currently in super form and the little knock he appeared to pick up on Thursday won’t rule him out of this one.

Gabriel Jesus (ST) – Jesus did everything but score in the week, although Arsenal supporters would be content with the Brazilian churning out those sorts of performances every time he dons the red and white of the Gunners. The Brazilian will lead the line at St. Mary’s.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – Illness limited Martinelli’s participation in the week but he did come on as a substitute which would suggest that he’ll be ready for Sunday’s game.