Mikel Arteta has had to change his starting striker for the first time in a Premier League match so far this year. Alexandre Lacazette is absent from the squad after testing positive for Covid, so Eddie Nketiah is tasked with leading the line.
Nuno Tavares has also earned a spot back in the side after being dropped by Arteta in the 2-0 defeat against Brighton, which also means Granit Xhaka moves into the midfield.
It seems that Arsenal will be playing a midfield pivot with Xhaka and Albert Sambi Lokonga, as the Belgian keeps his place in the side. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli continue to occupy the wing positions.
READ MORE: Victor Osimhen proves he is Mikel Arteta's ideal striker after Arsenal's £75m January cold feet
Martin Odegaard has been delegated as club captain due to Lacazette’s absence. This could be a big hint on who will be Arsenal’s captain for next season.
Nketiah and Tavares’ inclusion in the side are certainly the big debating points for the starting line-up. The Arsenal fanbase have also had their say on Arteta’s XI for the match against Southampton.
@AFC_TicTac: Apart from ESR not starting over nketiah I think this is pretty much the best line up we have available to us.
@Amir_Nuri: How does Pepe still don’t start and Elneny instead of Lokonga should’ve been clear after last performances..
@FireCave: Pepe or Gabi should be tried up front. Manager shows a LOT of support for Eddie, let’s see if he can repay it. God help us.
@pavelco12: Why dont we start smith rowe instead of nketiah and play him on the left and put martinelli as a striker
@Gunneruni: Look at how poor that bench is. No way this team stays in the Top 4 race after today.
