Two games at the St Marys stadium in 4 days for the Arsenal. First up is the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday (12:15), before a Premier League visit on Tuesday night (20:15).
St Marys used to be a boogey ground for us, failing to win in the first 4 games there after Southamptons promotion back to the top tier. However, 3 wins and a draw in the last 5 has made it a less daunting trip.
Danny Ings looks like he will be available after COVID isolation, and Theo Walcott will want to repeat his scoring return to the Emirates in the earlier league game. The Saints went with a much changed XI on Tuesday for the 3rd round win over Shrewsbury, but the expectation is they will be playing their best available.
As for us, I feel there will be a fair bit of rotation. Expect to see Willian, Pepe, Martinelli and possibly Nketiah replacing the front 4 we saw on Monday night. Elneny and Ceballos could come into midfield, if the latter is passed fit, while Bellerin, Gabriel and Chambers or Maitland-Niles are options to change up the back 4. Tuesday should see a return to the Newcastle line-up in the main.
The last time we faced Southampton away in the FA Cup Theo Walcott netted a hat-trick in a 4th round tie. Let's hope that isn't repeated this time.
Southampton double header.
posted on 22/1/21
Yeah, think there is a chance he will be thrown in if he was registered in time. Not sure on the rules on that.
posted on 22/1/21
Apparently the team are not staying over in a hotel due to covid so will be a lot of travelling. No sooner get back home and they will be off again for the next game. At least the cup game is an early kick off so should be back at a reasonable time
posted on 22/1/21
Only an hour coach journey.
posted on 22/1/21
St Marys used to be a boogey ground for us,
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We will dance on their graves
posted on 22/1/21
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 16 minutes ago
Only an hour coach journey.
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26 mins when they let Tierney drive
posted on 22/1/21
Wonder if long will still turn into ronaldo against us again? Swear we’re the only team he plays well against
posted on 23/1/21
Hope we have a strong bench to call from
The likes of Willian Elneny and Ceballos and even Willock dont inspire any confidence and will make a very boring watch
posted on 23/1/21
Southampton will also be playing a weaker side you’d have thought, so maybe the likes of Willian, Willock and Pepe have more of a chance of putting in a decent performance
posted on 23/1/21
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posted on 23/1/21
Want Arteta to start a very strong team and that doesnt inlcude Willian. Love the FA cup. Hope Southampton dont start their best eleven.