Arsenal vs Southampton Prediction & Betting Tips (5 October)

Close to winning the Premier League in the previous two years, Arsenal today serves as the most serious competitor to the ogre Manchester City. The London team aims to win the title which has eluded the club since the Invincibles season in 2004. The Gunners are meeting expectations for the moment and occupy 3rd place in the standings with a record of 4 wins and 2 draws. Returning from the September international break, they won the derby in front of Tottenham fans 0-1 before coming close to victory at Manchester City 2-2. Last weekend, Arsenal won against Leicester 4-2. This week, Mikel Arteta's men confirmed their good intentions by easily dominating PSG on the 2nd day of the Champions League 2-0.

Back in the elite this season, Southampton logically expects to suffer. The start of the championship confirms this prediction since the promoted team is currently 19th in the Premier League and has still not tasted victory, 1 draw and 5 defeats. The Saints pocketed their only point on September 21, at home to fellow promoted side Ipswich 1-1. Last Monday, they fell again on the lawn of Bournemouth 3-1. Southampton will quickly have to find solutions or risk experiencing a very complicated 2024/2025 financial year.

For this meeting, Arsenal remains without its captain Odegaard. He fills the ranks of the infirmary alongside potentially starting full-backs White and Zinchenko as well as replacements Tierney and Tomiyasu. Injured since his arrival from Real Sociedad this summer, midfielder Mikel Merino played his first minutes with the Gunners on Tuesday. Both scorers against PSG, attackers Saka (1 goal and 5 assists in PL) and Havertz (3 goals and 1 assist in PL) are essential in Arteta's system. The other offensive players Martinelli (1 goal and 2 assists in PL) and Trossard (2 goals in PL) are also available.

Arsenal are today the best team in Europe on set pieces. The Southampton coach deplores the defections of the important midfielder Smallbone, the now replacement goalkeeper Bazunu and the winger passed by Rennes Sulemana. Defender and captain Stephens has finished serving his suspension. With 3 goals scored after 6 days, the Saints have the worst attack in the championship.