Arsenal vs Southampton: Confirmed Lineups, Team News, and Match Preview

The Premier League season reaches a thrilling climax as Arsenal travel to face Southampton in a match with huge implications for the title race. With just a few games remaining, every point matters for Mikel Arteta’s men as they chase glory.

This in-depth match preview covers:
✔ Confirmed Arsenal Starting XI & Team News
✔ Southampton’s Expected Lineup & Tactics
✔ Key Battles & Predicted Scoreline (Chris Sutton’s Take)
✔ Why the Match Isn’t on UK TV
✔ Live Streaming Options & How to Follow

🔴⚪ Arsenal Starting XI vs Southampton – Confirmed Lineup

Mikel Arteta has made five changes to the side that last played, rotating his squad to keep players fresh for the final push.

📋 Confirmed Arsenal Lineup (4-3-3):

GK: David Raya
DEF: Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Oleksandr Zinchenko
MID: Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard (C), Thomas Partey
FWD: Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard

🔹 Key Changes:

Thomas Partey returns in midfield, replacing Jorginho.
Leandro Trossard starts over Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing.
Oleksandr Zinchenko replaces Takehiro Tomiyasu at left-back.

📌 Bench: Ramsdale, Tomiyasu, Kiwior, Jorginho, Vieira, Smith Rowe, Nelson, Jesus, Martinelli

⚽ Southampton’s Expected Lineup & Tactics

Southampton, fighting for survival, will likely set up in a 5-4-1 defensive block to frustrate Arsenal.

📋 Predicted Southampton XI (5-4-1):

GK: Alex McCarthy
DEF: Kyle Walker-Peters, Jan Bednarek, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Mohammed Salisu, Ryan Manning
MID: Stuart Armstrong, Flynn Downes, Will Smallbone, Kamaldeen Sulemana
FWD: Che Adams

🔹 Key Threats:

Che Adams – Physical presence, dangerous in the air.
Kamaldeen Sulemana – Pace on the counter-attack.
Set-pieces – Southampton have scored 12 goals from dead balls this season.

🎤 Chris Sutton’s Prediction: Can Arsenal Break Down Southampton?

BBC pundit Chris Sutton has weighed in with his thoughts:

« Arsenal should win, but Southampton will make it difficult. They’ll sit deep, defend in numbers, and look to hit on the break. If Arsenal score early, it could be comfortable. If not, we might see another nervy 1-0. »

📊 Sutton’s Prediction: Southampton 0-2 Arsenal

📺 Why Is Southampton vs Arsenal Not on UK TV?

Fans in the UK have been left frustrated as the game isn’t being broadcast live on traditional TV channels.

❌ Reasons for Blackout:

3pm Saturday Blackout Rule – English football’s long-standing policy to protect lower-league attendances.
No PPV Option – Unlike some other leagues, the Premier League hasn’t made this game available for individual purchase.

🌍 How to Follow the Game:

Radio: BBC Radio 5 Live, talkSPORT
Text Updates: BBC Sport, Arsenal.com
Highlights: Sky Sports PL / Match of the Day (10:30pm)

(Note: Some international broadcasters, like NBC (USA) and Optus Sport (Australia), will show it live.)

🔑 Key Battles to Watch

1️⃣ Saka vs Ryan Manning

Saka’s dribbling vs Manning’s defensive discipline – can the Saints full-back contain Arsenal’s star winger?

2️⃣ Rice vs Smallbone

Rice’s dominance in midfield could shut down Southampton’s creativity.

3️⃣ Havertz vs Bednarek

Havertz’s movement in the box could exploit Bednarek’s lack of pace.

🔮 Final Prediction & Scoreline

With Arsenal needing a win to keep pressure on Man City, expect a patient but dominant display.

📌 Predicted Score: Southampton 0-2 Arsenal