One of the standout ties in the FA Cup takes place this weekend as Southampton welcome home Arsenal. The match schedules for Saturday at St. Mary’s Stadium with kickoff at 315 pm.
Southampton advanced to the fourth round after a 2-0 win against Shrewsbury on Tuesday night. On the other hand, Arsenal advanced following a 2-0 victory against Newcastle earlier this month.
The January transfer window is looking alive for the Gunners after a couple of outs and new ins. The Gunners recently mutually terminated the contract with Sokratis days after doing the same with Ozil.
It was unexpected when the side signed out of the blues, out of the favour Brighton goalkeeper Matt Ryan on a six-month loan. Also, there are rumors of Martin Odegaard joining the side on loan.
Mikel Arteta knows the history of the FA Cup with Arsenal after 14 wins. The side has taken four points from their last two league matches. It includes an impressive 3-0 win over Newcastle on Monday evening to move 10th on the standings.
On the other hand, Southampton proceeded to the fourth round after a 2-0 win over Shrewsbury. The Saints have only won the FA Cup lifting the trophy back in 1967 following their infamous victory against Manchester United. The side reached the finals but lost to Arsenal in 2003 following a half-time strike by Robert Pires.
Southampton vs Arsenal Head to Head
Both sides have 20 games against each other with Southampton taking home five wins while Arsenal with nine wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Southampton 2-0 Shrewsbury Town
Leicester City 2-0 Southampton
Southampton 1-0 Liverpool
Southampton 0-0 West Ham
Fulham 0-0 Southampton
Away
Arsenal 3-0 Newcastle
Arsenal 0-0 Crystal Palace
Gunners 2-0 Newcastle
West Brom 0-4 Arsenal
Brighton 0-1 Arsenal
Southampton Team News
There is a substantial injury list with Jannik Vestergaard, Nathan Redmond, Oriel Romelu, Moussa Djenepo, Michael Obafemi, Nathan Tella and William Smallbone. A major boost for the side will be the return of Danny Ings from self-isolation. Che Adams and Stuart Armstrong could make their returns.
Arsenal Team News
The major doubts this weekend is Pablo Mari and Dani Ceballos with minor calf problems. Gabriel Magalhaes might get a shot in defence alongside Rob Holding. Arteta might rotate the squad to hand Willian, Nicolas Pepe, El Neny and Gabriel Martinelli start.
Prediction and Odds
Given the recent form and FA Cup history for Arsenal, we expect a highly entertaining match this Saturday.
Arsenal Win
Goals Over 2.5
Most Goals 2H