Arsenal vs Southampton: Alex Iwobi Set To Start In A Strong 4-2-3-1 Line-Up
The Nigerian forward Alex Iwobi is set to partner Mesut Ozil and Danny Welbeck in an attacking midfield position in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Iwobi will be taking the spot of the injured Armenian Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan was forced off in the 61st minute with an injury in the Europa League clash with CSKA Moscow last Thursday, he is still injured and will miss the game against Southampton on Sunday afternoon at the Emirates Stadium.
Mesut Ozil remains the main driving force for Arsenal in the attack, he played the full 90 minutes in midweek and will likely do the same on Sunday afternoon against Southampton.
The Gabonese international Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will return to Arsenal starting eleven after being left out in midweek due to ineligibility to play in Europe.
Arsene Wenger will have the luxury of Aubameyang and Lacazette been fit and available for selection and may consider starting both players in the game against Southampton.
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Mohamed Elneny only played 16 minutes against CSKA Moscow and is likely to partner Granit Xhaka in midfield for Arsenal. The Swiss international Granit Xhaka played full 90 minutes on Thursday night.
Aaron Ramsey is likely to start on the bench after starting and completing two matches in less than a week, he will likely be rested because of his fragile injury state, while Jack Wilshere is also likely to be on the bench for Arsenal to keep him fresh for the Europa League.
Calum Chambers may be given the nod ahead of Laurent Koscielny in defence, as Koscielny may be rested ahead of the second leg Europa League clash against CSKA Moscow on Thursday.
Sead Kolasinac may start should Arsene Wenger elect to rest Nacho Monreal, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles should provide alternatives in the full-back positions should Arsene Wenger decide to introduce some fresh legs in those areas.
David Ospina sat out the victory on Thursday night and joins Mkhitaryan and Santi Cazorla on the sidelines. Petr Cech returned on Thursday and will continue in goal with David Ospina (ankle) out for two to three weeks.
Arsenal is undefeated in 21 of their last 23 home Premier League matches, while Southampton has failed to win 17 of their last 18 matches and have also failed to score in their last 3 Premier League matches.
Since a 2-1 defeat to Brighton last month, Arsenal’s form has been highly impressive, with the Gunners comprehensively winning their last five matches in all competitions.
Arsenal is expected to further compound the misery of relegation-threatened Southampton with a comfortable win at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon early kick off.
