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My Arsenal line-up vs Southampton

By on December 10, 2021

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Arsenal simply have to get back to winning ways when we welcome Southampton to the Emirates on Saturday. This is the line-up I’d like to see Mikel Arteta select for the match…

Aaron Ramsdale has been let down by those in front of him in recent games. Let’s hope for a better defensive display so Ramsdale can secure a much-needed clean sheet.

In defence, I still don’t think we should see too many changes. Takehiro Tomiyasu should continue at right-back while Ben White and Gabriel are certain to line-up alongside each other at the heart of Arsenal’s defence once again.

The one question mark could be left-back as Kieran Tierney looked rusty during the defeat at Everton on Monday night. However, I personally think he’s still a better option than Nuno Tavares right now.

Granit Xhaka made a swift return from a knee injury and although he looked knackered during the second half at Goodison Park, I still think we need his experience in midfield this weekend.

Thomas Partey’s poor form is a real concern for Arsenal and he couldn’t complain if he was dropped tomorrow. The frustrating thing is we know how good he can be when he’s on form so I’d stick with him against Southampton and pray for a much-improved performance. Albert Sambi Lokonga will therefore have to settle for a place on the bench.

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Martin Odegaard was on target against Everton with a superb goal and I’d keep him in the No.10 role tomorrow. Bukayo Saka should start once again on the right flank and Arteta needs to encourage him to be more positive and direct at times.

Gabriel Martinelli is expected to recover from a knock that he picked up on Monday but I was disappointed with his performance against Everton. He didn’t really take his chance and I’d recall Emile Smith Rowe if he’s passed fit. ESR missed the Everton game with a minor muscle issue but trained today and Arteta says he’s confident the youngster will be fit to return.

Up front is a major problem area for Arsenal right now. I was hugely disappointed with Alexandre Lacazette on Monday as he didn’t take his opportunity to make the CF position his own. I appreciate he didn’t get a lot of service but Laca looked lethargic and uninterested a lot of the time.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missed another great chance in the final minute at Goodison Park but at least he got into a goal-scoring position – which is more than Lacazette did. I’d recall Auba and wouldn’t be surprised if he ended his goal drought.

Here is the side I hope we see:

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