Two under-fire managers go head-to-head on Saturday as Arsenal welcome Southampton to the Emirates on Saturday. The Gunners have failed to win any of their last four league matches, while the Saints are without a win in seven.
Arsenal were completely outplayed by Leicester before the international break as the Foxes cruised to a convincing 2-0 victory. This defeat proved that Unai Emery’s men are nowhere near the level of their top-four rivals.
The Gunners currently find themselves sixth in the Premier League table, eight points off fourth-place Manchester City and a whopping 17 points behind league-leaders Liverpool.
On the other hand, Southampton are down in nineteenth and already appear to be involved in a relegation battle with just 12 matches gone.
The Saints have only recorded two league wins this term and also have the worst defensive record in the division. They have conceded 29 goals so far and have only managed to scored 11 in reply.
Southampton have kept just one clean sheet this season. They have conceded 13 goals in their last three games, including nine against Leicester last month. If Ralph Hasenhuttl doesn’t turn things around quickly, he could be the next Premier League manager to lose his job.
Arsenal defensive record is also a cause for concern. Of all the teams in the top half of the table, only Burnley have conceded more goals than the Gunners, leaving Emery’s side with a less than impressive goal difference of –1.
There has been a lot going on behind the scenes at Arsenal recently, and this has reflected in the team’s performances. Emery must prove his decision to strip Granit Xhaka of the captaincy was the right call, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang now in charge of leading the team.
It remains to be seen whether Xhaka will play for the club again, but Emery shouldn’t have any other selection troubles this weekend. Dani Ceballos is likely to be available for selection following a thigh issue, so Emery should be able to field his strongest side.
Despite the Gunners well-documented problems, they are unbeaten at the Emirates in the league this season. Southampton are heading into this match in relegation form, so Arsenal should secure the victory on Saturday.
Arsenal have beaten Southampton in five of their last eight meetings, and the Gunners have scored two or more goals in six of those eight games.
Forebet predicts that Arsenal will again score over 2.5 goals and claim all three points. A clean sheet is also on the cards for the home side.