Premier League: Misfiring Gunners Take Aim at the Lowly Saints

Arsenal vs Southampton

The Premier League clash between Arsenal and Southampton at the Emirates this Saturday is going to be huge since both clubs have yet to win in quite some time.

Prior to their drought, the Gunners were on a fine run of form since they were unbeaten in eight straight Premier League fixtures from September to November. But as of the moment, Arsenal have a two-game losing streak and they’re sitting at seventh place with 23 points – which is four points adrift the top four.

Meanwhile, Southampton are winless in their last four and they’re currently at 16^th with 16 points. They can’t seem to escape the threat of being relegated which is a worrying trend in recent seasons, although time is on their side for them to move up.

Despite their disparity at the English top-flight standings, Arsenal vs. Southampton looks like a fixture evenly matched on paper and SBOTOP football fans can expect an intense battle between these two sides this weekend.

Talking Points

Arsenal’s bright youngsters are doubtful to play

Serie A

Torino

Bologna

CLICK HERE

TO SEE UPDATED ODDS

Mikel Arteta is back in the coaching hot seat as his Gunners have lost three of their last four league games and they need to find answers fast. Arsenal have a few injury problems to contend with going into the weekend which adds on to the Spaniard’s headaches.

One of them is Emile Smith Rowe who has been one of their most reliable outlets this term. He has six goals and two assists and his outstanding play has helped himself earn a call-up to England’s national team in the last international break.

The 21-year-old midfielder suffered a groin issue against Manchester United earlier this month and he was absent during their most recent game vs. Everton.

Another Arsenal youngster who’s dealing with a knock is Gabriel Martinelli as he sustained a hamstring injury in the last time out. The Brazilian has been promising for the Gunners despite only having one goal so far.

With Smith Rowe and Martinelli doubtful to play according to the Premier League 2021 news, Arteta will have no choice but to rely on his veterans in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazzette to deliver this weekend.

Aubameyang’s form has been horrible in these past few weeks while Lacazzette has yet to hit his full stride, but both have the capability to exploit Southampton’s porous backline.

Southampton getting major contributions from unlikely sources

One can argue that the Saints have yet to live up to their full potential given their core of promising players.

Che Adams aims to score as Southampton clash against Arsenal in the Premier League — Southampton’s Che Adams in action against Leicester City

Armando Broja, who is on loan from Chelsea, is their leading scorer with five goals while Mohamed Elyounoussi is behind him with four goals and two assists.

Che Adams, Adam Armstrong, and James Ward-Prowse combine for eight goals and five assists, while Tino Livramento is becoming an indispensable young star for Southampton.

All of them will have to be at their best especially since Southampton are dealing with their share of injuries too.

Ralph Hasenhuttl has big holes to fill since Alex McCarthy, Stuart Armstrong, Jan Bednarek and Fraser Forster are dealing with injuries, while Oriol Romeu and Mohammed Salisu will sit this one out due to suspensions.

History

Arsenal have had Southampton’s number in the Premier League especially at home. The Gunners have lost just one of their last 11 league games (W6, D4) against the Saints and they’ve been undefeated in 26 consecutive home games since their 1-0 loss in November 1987.

Mikel Arteta’s side have won their last three home games, with their last two being clean sheets against Newcastle United (4-0) and Watford (1-0).

Their most recent meeting took place in January where Arsenal came away with a 3-1 win as Nicolas Pepe, Bukayo Saka, and Alexandre Lacazzette cancelled out Stuart Armstrong’s early goal.

Betting Tip

	Arsenal vs Southampton	Arsenal Asian Handicap -0.75 @ 1.85
	December 11, 23:00 (GMT+8)

The Premier League 2021 odds are backing Arsenal to come out victorious at home. The Gunners are installed at 1.67, while the Saints are priced at 4.70 to win and a draw is at 3.85 in the 1X2 market.

Arsenal’s rise to the top half speaks for itself and we’re confident that they’ll be able to take care of business especially against a team that’s in the bottom half.

Southampton are struggling to find confidence and with a depleted lineup, getting maximum points at the Emirates seems to be too much of an ask for them at this time. Judging by their recent meetings, goals can come in bunches for this contest so going for Total Goal 2-3 @ 2.55 sounds good for an alternative bet.