Arsenal are in need of a win when they travel to Southampton on Saturday afternoon in order to keep their hopes of a top four finish alive. The Gunners have suffered back to back defeats to Crystal Palace and Brighton in their last two league games to leave them three points behind fourth placed Tottenham.
Mikel Arteta’s side do have a game in hand over their north London rivals, but could be six points behind Spurs by the time they kick-off on the south coast with Antonio Conte’s side hosting Brighton earlier in the day. And Arsenal simply cannot afford too many more slip ups if they’re to play Champions League football for the first time since 2017.
Meanwhile, Southampton have also been struggling for form, the Saints haven’t won a top flight game since February and were thrashed 6-0 by Chelsea in their last league fixture. However, despite the fact that Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have little to play for with relegation not a concern and the fight for Europe beyond their reach, the pundits have disagreed on the outcome of their clash with Arsenal.
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Mark Lawrenson - Southampton 1-1 Arsenal
"Southampton have lost five of their past six games in all competitions but, with three defeats out of four, Arsenal are having a wobble as well. Lawrenson told BBC Sport.
"The Gunners are without Thomas Partey as well as Kieran Tierney and they are really missing the pair of them. I don't look at them and think they are going to go to St Mary's and win."
Paul Merson - Southampton 1-3 Arsenal
"Southampton are in poor form but they'll need to go after a result. Merson wrote in his column for sportskeeda. "No one thinks this game is a foregone conclusion.
"Southampton have come back from a nine-goal debacle before and cannot be taken lightly. Arsenal could fancy their chances of picking up a win here.
"Alexandre Lacazette hasn't been able to score goals and I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't play this game. Southampton are not going to sit back and defend this week, and I think that could play into Arsenal's hands."
