Southampton Host Arsenal As Tough Fixtures Continue

Southampton travel to Arsenal tonight (3rd December, 19:45) having picked up their first defeat in seven Premier League games last time out against champions Manchester City. The result meant that the Saints lost their hard-earned second position to the triumphant City and failure to secure the three points tonight would see their top four status look vulnerable.

A win for the home side, however, would see them go to within two points of the Champions League places and a mere three off Ronald Koeman`s Saints whose tough run of fixtures continues at the weekend with their hosting of Manchester United. Such an outcome would be a welcome relief for Arsene Wenger whose men have come in for criticism after winning only two of their last four top tier clashes. The Emirates outfit did, however, qualify for the Champions League knockout stage with a 2-0 victory over Dortmund at home.

It is Arsenal who are the bookies` favourites for the win in spite of a litany of injury concerns. The Gunners are 17/20 with bet365, betfred and william hill though could be without as many as five first-team players.

First-choice goalkeeper Wojech Szczesny missed both the Gunners 1-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion and their Dortmund encounter after failing to shake off the hip injury picked up halfway through their clash with Manchester United. The Pole is still unavailable for selection.

Adding to the North London side`s defensive woes are full-backs Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal who are both doubts for the match-up having sustained respective ankle and knee knocks.

Further up the field, neither Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain or Mikel Arteta are anticipated to start. A problem with his knee means Oxlade-Chamberlain is doubtful whilst Arteta picked up a calf injury and failed to feature in the Gunners` last game. The former Everton man is not expected to play a part against the Saints.

What is in Arsenal`s favour, however, is that the Reds have scored in all of their nine previous matches and have a pair of strikers in Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck who are in top form. These players are 13/8 and 9/5 (both Betbright and betfair) respectively to score at any time, whilst punters can back Arsenal at 11/13 (william hill) to hit the back of the net over 1.5 times.

England international Welbeck grabbed the only goal in the Gunners` match against West Brom with a powerful header in the 60th minute.

Sanchez scored the second of Wenger`s men`s two goals against Dortmund, the first being provided by youngster Yaya Sanogo in the second minute. The Spaniard was also on-target as his club fell to a 2-1 defeat at Swansea and as they drew 3-3 with Anderlecht in the Champions League. Arteta and Oxlade-Chamberlain also found their names on the scoresheet as Arsenal shared the spoils despite going 3-0 up.

At the start of the month, a second half brace from 13-goal Sanchez saw his team secure a 3-0 win over strugglers Burnley. Calum Chambers was also on target in the win.

Olivier Giroud grabbed the only goal as the Gunners fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Manchester United.

Their 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Manchester City last weekend means Southampton are the 4/1 (Betvictor, Spreadex) outsiders for the match with a draw available at 11/4 (betfred, boylesports, Coral, Totesport).

The Saints only new injury worry comes in the shape of Morgan Schneiderlin who injured his thigh against the Premier League champions. Failure to win would see the side on a three match run without picking up three points after drawing 1-1 with Aston Villa. Nathaniel Clyne had to net nine minutes from time as the team fell behind in the first half.

November began well for the Hampshire club, defeating Hull City away from home and Leicester City at St. Mary`s. Victor Wanayama scored the only goal in the Tigers match whilst substitute Shane Long hit a brace against the floundering Foxes.

It is top scorer Graziano Pelle, however, who is the favourite to hit the back of the net first for Southampton. The 9-time scorer can be backed at 7/2 with betway.

Go To bet365

#Ad

03/12/2014     © Frixo 2024