Arsenal vs. Southampton: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

We can only see this game going one way. Arsenal are unbeaten this season and have won 18 of their last 23 league games at the Emirates. Southampton, conversely, remain winless this season.

Over 2.5 goals has occurred in three of Arsenal's last four games in all competitions and three of Southampton's last four in the Premier League, so we're expecting a high-scoring encounter here.

Arsenal have scored three or more goals in three of their last six home games in the league, so we fancy them to put a few past the Saints this weekend. Arsenal 3-0 Southampton.

Arsenal welcome Southampton to the Emirates this weekend in a game between two sides with very contrasting fortunes.

• Date: 05/10/2024
• Kick-off time: 15:00
• Location: Emirates Stadium, Holloway

The Gunners, currently 3rd in the league with 14 points, have developed into a physically imposing and well-organised team under Mikel Arteta. They may not be the most thrilling side to watch, but they're extremely difficult team to break down and horrible to play against. Arteta’s system has placed significant emphasis on defensive organisation and discipline, making Arsenal one of the most watertight teams in the league off the ball, conceding few clear-cut chances, and they have built a reputation for being a nightmare to play against, particularly in their ability to stifle opposition attacks and consistently win duels across the pitch.

A key feature of Arsenal's play this season has been their height and physicality. With a number of tall, strong players across the pitch, they have the ability to dominate aerial duels and set pieces, a physical approach that has been complemented by exceptional organisation off the ball. Arteta has drilled his team into one that is highly disciplined and quick to press, ensuring that opponents find it difficult to settle into their rhythm. This well-drilled approach has led to them conceding very few goals, and it is this defensive foundation that league titles are so often won on.

Arsenal will be disappointed, however, that they don’t have more points to show for their performances, with a pair of red cards in two separate games preventing them from potentially having four more points than they currently do. Nevertheless, the Gunners will be satisfied with their current position and will feel confident that they can continue to challenge at the top.

In terms of individual performances, striker Kai Havertz has had a strong start to the season, scoring four goals in all competitions. The German forward has adapted well to Arteta’s system, providing a focal point in attack with his movement and intelligent link-up play, while his ability to bring others into the game has been crucial for Arsenal.

Another standout player for Arsenal has been Bukayo Saka. The young winger has contributed two goals and five assists so far, with the England international proving a talismanic figure for Arsenal and one of the best players in the league.

In contrast, Southampton’s season has been nothing short of a disaster. Sitting 19th in the Premier League table with just one point from six games, the Saints look in serious trouble. Their return to the Premier League has exposed the deficiencies in their squad, and their playing style, and they have often appeared out of their depth at this level. Conceding 12 goals in six matches, their defence has been leaky and prone to errors, while their attack has been largely ineffective, managing just three goals in that same period.

Southampton’s manager, Russell Martin, has insisted on sticking to his footballing principles, which revolve around a style of play that emphasises deep and risky build-up patterns from the back, a ploy that has resulted in the Saints conceding significantly more goals than they've scored. This insistence on maintaining a particular style of football, even in the face of poor results, has led to growing concerns among fans and pundits alike, with the manager appearing dogmatic in his approach. Many are questioning whether Southampton have the quality required to successfully execute such a style in the Premier League, and it's hard to say those concerns aren't legitimate.

Martin has been resolute in defending his philosophy, refusing to compromise on his tactical approach. However, if Southampton continue to struggle as they have, the pressure on him is likely to intensify, and his position as manager may soon come under threat, if it is not already. A defeat against Arsenal is expected, but the manner of the defeat will be hugely important, as another mistake-ridden, heavy defeat will only put Martin's tactics further in the spotlight - and all for the wrong reasons.

This game will not be televised live to UK audiences, but radio coverage will be provided by BBC Radio Solent.

Arsenal Team News:

The Gunners are still without captain Martin Ødegaard, who continues his recovery from an ankle injury. The Norwegian is expected back sometime shortly after the international break.

Ben White also remains a doubt, as does Jurriën Timber after coming off with a knock in midweek, while Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney will all continue to miss out.

Predicted lineup: Raya; Calafiori, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Havertz, Partey, Rice; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli.

Southampton Team News:

The Saints are missing Will Smallbone, Gavin Bazunu and Kamaldeen Sulemana, all of whom are expected back in the not-too-distant future.

Changes are expected following the game against Bournemouth last time out, with Cameron Archer potentially in line for a recall.

Predicted lineup: Ramsdale; Sugawara, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Taylor; Ugochukwu, Downes; Dibling, Aribo, Brereton Diaz; Archer.

The Gunners' most recent outing saw them claim a surprisingly comfortable 2-0 win over PSG in the Champions League. The first half was something of a men-against-boys encounter, with Arsenal physically bullying the French champions and claiming a 2-0 lead by half-time through Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka. The second half was more quiet, but a fine defensive performance from Arsenal allowed them to take a cruising win.

Prior to that, Arsenal claimed a dramatic 4-2 win over Leicester City. Arteta's side were 2-0 up by half-time through Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, but two goals out of thin air allowed Leicester to draw level early in the second half.

However, the Gunners huffed and puffed and their pressure eventually told, as Trossard forced Leicester's Wilfried Ndid to turn the ball into this own goal in the 94th minute before Havertz finished the job minutes later.

Southampton's latest game was a 3-1 hammering away at Bournemouth. The Cherries simply blew Southampton away in the first half, taking a resounding 3-0 lead. Taylor Harwood-Bellis pulled one back in the second half, but Southampton were firmly outclassed once again.

That result followed a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town, where despite a fine opening goal from Tyler Dibling, Southampton conceded a stoppage-time equaliser in a game they probably should have won.

Before that, Southampton beat Everton on penalties following a 1-1 draw, lost 0-3 to Manchester United and lost 3-1 to Brentford.

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