Game week 7 Predictions: Arsenal to beat Southampton at the Emirates

Preview of Arsenal vs. Southampton at the Emirates. Can the Gunners continue their title charge, or will the struggling Saints cause a surprise?

Arsenal is aiming to go into the break with a bang and it will take more then luck from the visitors to stop the Gunners at the Emirates. (Photo credit: Opta)

 Arsenal vs. Southampton

Emirates Stadium

3:00pm

Arsenal is in a favorable place; you can say they rode their luck last weekend at home against Leicester City, losing their two-goal lead before scoring another two deep into extra time.

Southampton's situation is dire; they have not won in six league games and have only managed to defeat Everton on penalties in the League Cup. Currently ranked second from the bottom, a trip to the Emirates is the last thing they would want to undertake.

Arsenal beat PSG 2-0 in midweek in the Champions League, a result that has earned them good respect in the top places. No one expects an upset at home against Southampton, but the Saints have troubled Arsenal in the past; it’s a derby of some sort. Arsenal must be careful.

Russell Martin made some changes at halftime in the humiliating loss to Bournemouth last Monday, which appeared to turn the tide. However, they cannot afford to start slowly against the Gunners; they would suffer severe consequences.

Arsenal, a title contender, sits third in the standings heading into the weekend, just a point behind Liverpool. They have been undefeated in all their games thus far and are aiming to surpass their previous two seasons where they finished second. This game should be crucial for them.

Aaron Ramsdale, an interesting guest in this fixture, is hoping to make a statement as a visitor. Knowing Arsenal’s luck, expect the England goalkeeper to turn to Premier Manuel Neuer on Saturday as he seeks to tell Mikel Arteta he isn’t as awful as advertised.

What will the Southampton team look like? In addition to the former Gunner in goal, Russell Martin should consider starting Brereton Diaz over Cameron Archer, and the Gunners should closely monitor Tyler Dibling, who is currently impressing everyone.

For the Gunners, with international break coming up, you won’t expect lots of rotations, but we expect to see more of Mikel Merino after his cameo in the Champions League win over PSG. Martin Odegaard is still away; Leandro Trossard will continue playing up there.

Arteta needs to make some adjustments because Jurrien Timber and Ben White are struggling with their fitness. The break will allow them to recuperate and prepare for a fierce run of games following the international break. Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz are performing well, while Gabriel Martinelli appears to be in peak form. Let's hope for the best for Sotton.

Verdict: Arsenal's straight win