The mid-table in the Premier League is heating up with a series of impressive matches. Southampton hopes of making a comeback after a disastrous running before the corona break sets to come alive on Thursday. The side will welcome under-firing Arsenal at the St. Mary’s Stadium with kickoff at 20:00 GMT.
Arsenal return to the corona break has been nothing but unimpressive. The side started their campaign with a 3-0 humbling by Manchester City. Adding salt to the injury, a later strike by Brighton’s striker Maupay was enough to sink the side into disarray.
The Gunners face a series of injuries on their camp which forces Coach Arteta for a shakeup in the squad. The side recently extended the contract of defender David Luiz and Dani Ceballos. The side also permanently signed former Cherries right-back Cedric Soares on a four-year deal.
The Cherries enjoyed a thrilling 3-0 thrashing of Norwich during the weekend which marked their first win since the return of the Premier League. The side currently sits 14 on the table with 37 points. A win this Thursday will see the side come equal to the Gunners on the table.
Southampton vs Arsenal Head to Head
Both sides have met 18 times in the Premier League with the Cherries taking home five wins against the eight wins held by the Gunners. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Arsenal 2-2 Southampton
Arsenal 2-0 Southampton
Southampton 3-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 3-2 Southampton
Southampton 1-1 Arsenal
Southampton 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 2-1 Southampton
Arsenal 0-0 Southampton
Southampton Team News
High flying Danny Ings has been the standout figure for the Cherries and the leading scorer at the side. He expects to make a comeback at the Gunners after a dip in form before the corona break. Making a comeback against the Gunners is Shane Long after an injury spell.
Arsenal Team News
Things seem amiss at the camp especially with the injury to sensation Gabriel Martinelli set to miss the rest of the season due to an ankle injury. Adding to the injury woes is goalkeeper Bernand Leno with a cruciate ligament rupture. Injury boosts for the side will be the returning Lucas Torreira and defender Chambers.
The contract extension of Dani Ceballos till the end of the season gives Arteta some midfield options with Xhaka out with an ankle injury. Defender Pablo Mari’s injury rules him out the entire season.
Prediction and Odds
Both teams have put inconsistent performances that make it any ones match to win. We expect a lowkey scoring match at St. Mary’s
Draw
Both Teams to Score
Goals Under 2.5
