Arsenal travel to Southampton on Saturday afternoon in desperate need of a win to keep their top four hopes alive. Mikel Arteta’s side are currently fifth, three points behind fourth placed Tottenham.
The Gunners need to get back to winning ways after faltering of late with back to back defeats to Crystal Palace and Brighton respectively. And they could be six points behind Spurs by the time they kick-off at St Mary’s with their north London rivals hosting Brighton earlier in the day.
Southampton have not been in the best of form themselves, they’ve not won a Premier League game since February and were thrashed 6-0 by Chelsea last time out. Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side also have little to play for with the Saints 12 points clear of the relegation zone, and with no realistic chance of making a late run for a European spot.
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The pressure is all on Arsenal, Arteta’s side cannot afford many more slip ups if they’re to overhaul Spurs despite having a game in hand over their rivals. Bringing Champions League football back to the Emirates is of vital importance to the club’s plans this summer; if they're to continue their encouraging recent progress.
However, the Gunners do have a number of injury concerns ahead of their trip to the south coast. Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney are unlikely to play again this season due to injury, whilst Takehiro Tomiyasu is also set to miss out and Alexandre Lacazette is a doubt after missing training recently.
With this all in mind, football.london takes a look at three possible ways Arteta could field his side at St Mary’s.
Saka at left-back
The decision to replace Tierney with Granit Xhaka drew much criticism from fans and pundits alike, with many making the observation that the Swiss midfielder simply doesn’t have enough experience playing that role. Bukayo Saka has played at left-back a number of times and whilst utilising him in that role would curb his attacking threat, he would offer greater balance and could still affect games using his pace and crossing ability.
Option 1- Ramsdale; Cedric, White, Gabriel, Saka; Odegaard, Xhaka; Pepe, Smith Rowe, Martinelli; Lacazette
Drop Lacazette
The Frenchman’s form in front of goal has been disappointing to say the least this season. Lacazette only has four Premier League goals to his name so perhaps now would be the right time for Arteta to utilise Martinelli’s pace and trickery in the striker’s role, the 20-year-old certainly possess the ability to link-up effectively with the rest of the Gunners’ attack which could cause Southampton's porous defence no end of problems. Arteta also hinted at his pre-match news conference that Lacazette may not be available for selection but refused to elaborate on why.
Option 2- Ramsdale; Cedric, White, Gabriel, Xhaka; Odegaard, Sambi Lokonga; Saka, Smith Rowe, Pepe; Martinelli
Start Tavares
The 22-year-old has struggled since he joined the club last summer, which was epitomised by the fact that he was withdrawn at half-time during the defeat to Crystal Palace after a nightmare first half. However, starting Tavares would allow Saka and Xhaka to both play in their preferred roles and Martinelli or Smith Rowe could be tasked with providing more help/cover to help him get through the game.
Option 3 - Ramsdale; Cedric, White, Gabriel, Tavares; Odegaard, Xhaka; Saka, Smith Rowe, Martinelli; Lacazette
