The pressure is starting to heat up for the race to a top four finish as Arsenal look to put last week behind them against an out-of-form Southampton side. The Gunners still have a game-in-hand over arch-rivals Tottenham Hotpsur but are still three points behind them after back-to-back defeats gifted Antonio Conte's side fourth.
The Gunners are the favourites for the trip down south at 10/11 with Betfred while Southampton are 11/4 and a draw is 13/5. A win here is the absolute minimum if Mikel Arteta is to achieve Champions League football and with Spurs playing in the early kick-off, the pressure could be turned up even more if the result does not go the Spaniard's way.
As things stand, the Gunners can afford another bad day at the office but that will not be the mentality many will not accept as they look to bring Champions League to the Emirates Stadium since the 2016/17 season. The game in hand is the safety net they have at the business end of the season and the huge six pointer that is the North London Derby will be pivotal to their season.
