Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Southampton - Premier League

Arsenal simply do not lose at home to Southampton. The Premier League was yet to be conceptualised the last time the Saints rocked up on the red half of north London and claimed all three points.

And in truth, the odds are stacked against them this weekend.

Russell Martin's side enter Saturday's game 19th in the table and without a league win. Arsenal, on the contrary, are still unbeaten in all competitions and once again appear capable of challenging for the Premier League title.

After a dramatic 4-2 victory against Leicester last weekend, Mikel Arteta will be desperate for peace and serenity on Saturday afternoon. Here's the team the boss could pick for Southampton's visit.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Southampton

David Raya (GK) - Raya was an injury doubt heading into last week's game, but the Spaniard is carrying no issue into Saturday and he'll be going head-to-head with former Gunner Aaron Ramsdale between the posts.

Jurrien Timber (RB) - Timber was withdrawn at half-time against PSG on Tuesday, but Arteta eased any injury fears post-match. The Dutchman should be okay to start this weekend, but he may not play the full 90 minutes.

William Saliba (CB) - We've seen Saliba tame some of the world's best over the past couple of years, so he shouldn't have any issues dealing with an out-of-sorts Cameron Archer.

Gabriel (CB) - There may come a time when Arteta offers Gabriel some respite given the options at the manager's disposal, but last weekend proved just how vulnerable any lead can be in the Premier League. The Brazilian will want to start every league game this term, as Saliba did last season.

Riccardo Calafiori (LB) - These are the sorts of games where Calafiori's unique brilliance will come to the fore. The Italian has already helped unlock a new side to this Arsenal team.

Thomas Partey (CM) - Fresh off an excellent performance in midweek, Partey should continue at the base of midfield on Saturday.

Declan Rice (CM) - Mikel Merino is likely to earn minutes off the bench again, with Rice stationed in a more advanced position in the left-half space. However, Arteta's 4-2-4-like system means Rice will often operate close to Partey in the pivot.

Leandro Trossard (AM) - Trossard has been particularly important in mitigating Odegaard's absence in recent outings. The Belgian almost has a free role from a false nine position which allows him to pop up in a myriad of zones.

Bukayo Saka (RW) - The inevitable winger will take the armband again this weekend as he aims to maintain his impressive assist streak to start the new season.

Kai Havertz (ST) - Havertz is working superbly well in tandem with Trossard, and the German has an excellent scoring record at the Emirates. He's scored on every start at home this season.

Raheem Sterling (LW) - Arteta has been fairly hesitant to use Sterling so far, but he was complimentary of the summer arrival after the 5-1 win over Bolton in the Carabao Cup. He's played just ten minutes since, but this is a good opportunity to hand him his first league start for the club.

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