Jurrien Timber out, Takehiro Tomiyasu decision made – Arsenal predicted XI vs Southampton

football.london takes a look at how Mikel Arteta could line his Gunners side up for their Premier League clash with Southampton at the Emirates Stadium

Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber are both doubts for Arsenal’s clash with

Mikel Arteta knows all too well that you can never take your eye off the ball in the Premier League. Last weekend Arsenal were 2-0 up and coasting to a comfortable victory against Leicester, before the game turned in a blink of an eye. The Spaniard is determined to make sure history doesn’t repeat itself.

“We know the significance of the match,” he said in his pre-match press conference. “Last week it was proven the tough schedule that we have. Even when you think the game is under control it can get out of hand immediately. So it was a good thing probably to happen the way it ended up.

“We know the quality of Southampton. In my opinion they’re a team that is extremely well coached, they have a clear philosophy and they’ve been very unlucky not to have many more points because there were moments in the game where they have far better than the opponents.”

Arsenal were largely dominant against PSG but in a different way altogether. Questions over the right back position and the fitness of Jurrien Timber, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu put their chances of repeating that in a bit of jeopardy this weekend though. Here’s how football.london expect the Gunners to line up.

Goalkeeper – David Raya

There may be a slight awkwardness for David Raya with Aaron Ramsdale likely to get a warm reception in the other goal. He’s already proved that Arsenal made the right choice though.

Right back – Riccardo Calafiori

Jurrien Timber and Ben White were both absent from full training on Thursday so barring a quick turnaround their chances of participating against Southampton feel slim. It would be quite an ask to throw Takehiro Tomiyasu in from the start after nearly five months without football, so expect Riccardo Calafiori to carry on in the position where he spent the second half against PSG.

Centre back – William Saliba

Saliba was absent with a back injury when Arsenal last played Southampton in that now infamous 3-3 draw. The Frenchman will want to make up for lost time.

Centre back – Gabriel

Gabriel is now in something of a goal drought – two games without netting! He’ll be keen to put that right against Southampton.

Left back – Jakub Kiwior

With Oleksandr Zinchenko not back until after the international break and Calafiori needed elsewhere, expect Jakub Kiwior to fill in at left back. The Pole has looked good whenever he’s been called upon this season.

Defensive midfield – Thomas Partey

Mikel Arteta said he thought Thomas Partey put in his best performance of the season so far against PSG. He’ll want to keep those standards up.

Central midfield – Declan Rice

Rice has been quietly having a very good and consistent season so far. He’ll want to keep those levels up this weekend against

Right wing – Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka finally broke Arsenal’s curse when it comes to direct free kicks on Tuesday night. Could he grab another this weekend?

Attacking midfield – Leandro Trossard

Leandro Trossard has formed a nifty little partnership with Kai Havertz up front. No one ever really knows where one will pop up. He’s certainly kept the levels up since Odegaard’s injury

Centre forward – Kai Havertz

Kai Havertz has scored every time he’s played at the Emirates Stadium this season. He’ll want to keep that record up against Southampton this Saturday.

Left wing – Gabriel Martinelli

After looking back to his best in flashes against Leicester, Gabriel Martinelli looked decent against PSG. He’ll want another goal if he can get one against Southampton.