Arsenal star Thomas Partey has dropped a team news hint ahead of the Premier League clash against Southampton this evening (Friday). The Ghanaian midfielder came under criticism for his performance in the 2-2 draw against West Ham last weekend.
Mikel Arteta is facing a few injury concerns ahead of the game against the Saints, with William Saliba still recovering from a back injury. Oleksandr Zinchenko is a doubt for this evening's match after missing the draw against the Hammers as a 'precaution', with Arteta offering an update on the Ukraine international earlier this week.
When asked about Zinchenko's fitness, Arteta said: "We will see with that one as well. It’s not certain. It’s a muscular injury and it needs some time to heal, and we are not there yet," he added.
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Kieran Tierney is the safe bet to start ahead of Zinchenko against Southampton, but Arteta may look to make a number of changes ahead of Arsenal's title decider against Manchester City next Wednesday. Pep Guardiola's side are just four points behind the Gunners but that could increase to seven if Arsenal beat the Saints.
Partey has posted a match graphic on his Instagram story ahead of kick-off tonight hinting that he will be starting against Southampton. Arsenal's official social media outlets have also posted a graphic that features Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Granit Xhaka, which may suggest all four players are set to start in a strong side for Arteta.
The Arsenal boss may be tempted to bring in the likes of Leandro Trossard, Jorginho and Jakub Kiwior given that the Gunners will face City just five days after their game against Ruben Selles' side this evening.
However, Arteta may want to field a strong line-up in every remaining fixture and push his players to the limit as they chase down a first Premier League title since 2004.
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