Verdict: Draw no bet Southampton
Best Odds:
Bookmaker:
It is another Cup challenge for Southampton, who take on Arsenal in the FA Cup just days after completing a narrow win over Liverpool in the EFL Cup during the week. Both teams are on a three-match winning run and we should be in for an exciting match at St Mary’s.
Southampton
Good times are back at Southampton, who are coming off from the 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the midweek League Cup semifinals. Having clinched their place in the final at Wembley, the Saints now shift their focus to the FA Cup action feeling motivated to take another big-name scalp at the weekend. The Saturday’s fourth round clash at St Mary’s is the only Premier League duel in the FA Cup and there is no doubt that both sides will be looking to finish the job in 90 minutes so that they can turn back to Premier League responsibilities that await. The Saints are going through a heavy schedule, but the team did rather well although Claude Puel’s men are yet to reach the last season’s level of performances and results. One thing Saints are hoping will serve them well on the forthcoming occasion their unbeaten home form against Arsenal ever since their return to the top tier in 2012.
Team News
James Ward Prowse is the latest addition to the lengthy injury list as the Southampton midfielder picked up a chest injury that will keep him out of the action for the weekend.
Virgil van Dijk is another notable absentee due to his ankle problem, although the hosts will be hoping Sofiane Boufal will be able to get back on the pitch following his knee inflammation. McCarthy, Targett, Pied, Austin and Hasketh remain unavailable.
Arsenal
The Gunners head into the Saturday’s clash against Southampton on the back of the six-match unbeaten run which saw win five and draw only one of those. Arsene Wenger is feeling confident following his team’s battling heroics against Burnley last time out and is hopeful the Gunners will continue to display relentlessness to keep the momentum going. The North London club have this season been particularly composed in the final moments of the game, having thus far scored plenty of dying-moments goals which only gives value to Wenger’s confidence. Eight points behind the Premier League leaders Chelsea, Arsenal want to do well in all fronts as they are far from giving up on their pursuit of silverware. The visitors will be hoping will continue his brilliant form as the former Barcelona forward has so far bagged 15 Premier League goals and provided 7 assists.
Team News
Theo Walcott is nearing the return following his calf strain problem, whereas Per Mertsacker is also expected to get back to full fitness soon enough.
Santi Casorla is still nurturing his Achilles injury, whereas Arsenal’s forgotten man Danny Welbeck’s long-awaited return from injury could guarantee him a starting place against the Saints.
Key Factors to Consider
Southampton kept clean sheets in 4 of their last 5 matches
Saints have won their last 3 matches in all competitions
Puel’s men are yet to lose at home to Arsenal since 2012
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 6 games
Gunners won only 1 of their last 5 encounters with Saints
Conclusion
Both Southampton and Arsenal are going through a rich vein of form which saw them notch three wins in a row each and there should be expected plenty of action at St Mary’s on Saturday. The hosts are coming off from a mora-boosting triumph and should be backed to succeed against the Gunners.
Verdict: Draw no bet Southampton
Best Odds:
Bookmaker:
