Arsenal vs Southampton - Match Preview
Arsenal host Southampton as they seek to continue their spotless defensive record and get precious points on the table.
Saturday sees Arsenal host Southampton as they seek to continue their spotless defensive record and get precious points on the table; while the Saints look for their first Premier League point after two heroic, yet ultimately fruitless, performances against the Manchester clubs. The Gunners followed up two goalless encounters with Sunderland and Stoke City with an impressive win against Liverpool at Anfield inspired by the resurgent Abou Diaby and a mercurial Santi Cazorla. The North London Club have yet to concede a goal in the top flight this season, with Steve Boulds influence on the back four clear to see in their displays of uncharacteristic discipline and shape. The concern for Arsenal at the moment is in their attacking department, two goals in three games is far from good enough and Olivier Giroud is still waiting for his first goal for the club. Southampton have yet to clock a point on the table, but this is after a very difficult first three games in their Premier League baptism of fire. They impressed in their game against Man City and arguably deserved more from the game than the 3-2 scoreline suggested; while against the Red Devils they would have picked up 3 points were it not for an RVP hat-trick. Rickie Lambert has showed some predatory instincts in front of goal for the Saints, but their star man so far has been Adam Lallana. Their captains intricate runs and inspired playmaking earned him a much publicised first England call up, and he will no doubt be crucial if Southampton are to get points out of their encounter with Arsenal. It will be an important game for both sides, a game Arsenal must win and Southampton mustnt lose if the two teams wish to reach their respective targets. Arsenal face a tough set of games in the coming weeks, so anything less than 3 points will be a major blow to Arsene Wengers mens hopes of a title challenge. The Saints will be faced with the reality of a full on relegation battle if they dont get points on the board soon, so any kind of positive result is of utmost importance to them. Arsenal Team News: Arsenal will have first-choice keeper Wojciech Szczesny available again following a rib injury, and hes expected to start ahead of Vito Mannone who has kept three straight clean sheets. Theo Walcott will be assessed after missing England's draw with Ukraine because of a virus, while midfielder Abou Diaby is 50/50 after picking up a minor knee problem when playing for France. Tomas Rosicky (hamstring), Jack Wilshere (ankle) and Emmanuel Frimpong (knee) all continue their rehabilitation along with Bacary Sagna (broken leg); but are all believed to be only weeks away from action. Southampton Team News: Headline singings Gaston Ramirez and Maya Yoshida could be involved for the first time since making their moves from the Serie A and Eredivisie respectively. Fellow new boy Emmanuel Mayuka will also be pushing for a starting role after his substitute appearance against Manchester United, while Guly do Prado may be dropped after admitting to drink-driving this week. Danny Fox is in contention after overcoming a groin injury that ruled him of international duty with Scotland, while Jack Cork is close to a return from an ankle problem picked up in pre-season.