Arsenal at Southampton match thread: one win, please sir

Arsenal are tumbling down the table as they travel to face Southampton today. With Everton’s win yesterday, the Gunners find themselves in 11th, an unfamiliar spot. Their Champions League aspirations are all but extinguished. Their Europa League hopes are fading fast. The club needs three points to turn things around, lift spirits, and build some momentum for the rest of the season.

This Southampton team is over-performing what they are on paper, I think because they’ve got a system that works for them and plays to their strengths. They play it well. Danny Ings is having a fantastic seasons, he’s scored 3 in his last 2 matches against Arsenal. Remember, the Gunners needed a last gasp equalizer from Alexandre Lacazette to salvage a 2-2 draw at the Emirates earlier this season. If Arsenal play up to their potential, they’re the better team. But from what we’ve seen lately, how likely is that to happen?

Southampton have everyone fit ahead of tomorrows match. Shane Long, who missed the Saints 3-0 drubbing of Newcastle, is available for selection. Ralph Hasenhuttl will be without the services of Moussa Djenepo through suspension, however.

Arsenal are still beset by injuries. Gabriel Martinelli is the latest addition to the training room — the Brazilian forward may be out for “months” with a meniscus injury. Bernd Leno’s knee injury isn’t as bad as feared, but the German keeper is still expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a moderate ligament sprain. Pablo Mari is out for 3-4 months with a significant left ankle sprain. Cedric Soares is expected to make his Arsenal debut sometime after the FA Cup match this weekend. Lucas Torreira is expected back in full training in the next 2-3 weeks. Granit Xhaka and Sokratis are both back in full training and may make the matchday squad.

LINEUPS:
Arsenal - Martinez, Bellerin, Mustafi, Holding, Tierney, Xhaka, Ceballos, Saka, Pepe, Nketiah, Aubameyang

Southampton - McCarthy, Valery, Stephens, Bednarek, Hojbjerg, Ward-Prowse, Armstrong, Redmond, Obafemi, Ings

WHAT: Arsenal at Southampton
WHERE: St. Mary’s Stadium
WHEN: Thursday, June 24th 10 AM PT | 1 PM ET | 6 PM BT
US TV: Not broadcast. On NBC Sports Gold and Peacock. Stream here.

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