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Predicted Arsenal XI vs Southampton: Zinchenko returns

By James Cormack

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 06: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on November 6, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 06: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on November 6, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /
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Draws at Liverpool and West Ham mean Arsenal have work to do when they host Southampton on Friday night.

Many will expect the Gunners to waltz past the Saints in their upcoming bout, but the visitors’ current position in the Premier League table renders them dangerous opposition. They have nothing to lose, and they need three points.

There are no fresh injury concerns for Mikel Arteta, and the Spaniard hopes to welcome back a key spoke in his wheel to his starting XI on Friday.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Southampton

Here’s the team Arteta’s likely to pick for Southampton’s visit.

Oleksandr Zinchenko is expected to return to the starting XI for Southampton’s visit. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Oleksandr Zinchenko is expected to return to the starting XI for Southampton’s visit. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – Ramsdale’s clean sheet duck continued last week as David De Gea extended his lead in the Golden Glove race. He’ll be hoping to shut out the joint-lowest scorers in the Premier League on Friday night.

Ben White (RB) – White was excellent in the reverse fixture at St. Mary’s and heads into this one after registering an assist against the Hammers. Will continue to start at right-back for the rest of the season.

Rob Holding (CB) – Arsenal are starting to feel the effect of William Saliba’s absence. Arteta provided a concerning update on the Frenchman’s fitness on Thursday, and he’s been ruled out of Southampton’s visit.

Gabriel (CB) – No doubt. Continues to impress.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – Arteta said he was hopeful Zinchenko would be back in action on Friday and I expect him to start after missing the West Ham draw with a tight groin.

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (DM) – Partey had a bit of a mare at the London Stadium but there’s not a chance he’s dropped for this one considering his significance to the Gunners.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – Xhaka’s influence has been minimal in the recent two draws, but there isn’t anybody knocking on the door to usurp him in the XI. The Swiss international scored in the reverse fixture.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – The skipper was on fire in the opening exchanges on Sunday before the fire in Arsenal’s performance faded. Nevertheless, Odegaard was one of few that took responsibility in the second half. The Gunners need more magic from Martin down the stretch.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – The boss gave Saka his full backing in his pre-match presser and it’d be a surprise to see him drop to the bench despite his recent malaise. He could do with a productive outing ahead of next Wednesday’s trip to the Etihad.

Gabriel Jesus (ST) – Jesus’ positional discipline was called into question last week after Arsenal took a 2-0 lead, but his goalscoring form means his spot in the starting XI isn’t up for debate. Mikel’s caution over his minutes is starting to frustrate supporters.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – The Brazilian remains red-hot and has once again re-asserted himself over Leandro Trossard and Reiss Nelson in the pecking order down Arsenal’s left. Added another assist to his tally last weekend.