Arsenal will seek to continue a five-match winning streak across all competitions when they entertain Southampton in the Premier League this afternoon.
The Gunners have a three-goal advantage after a 4-1 win over CSKA Moscow in the Europa League quarter-final first-leg, but Arsene Wenger may still rest a couple of senior players with a view to the distant trip to Moscow on Thursday.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Lineup:
With David Ospina sidelined with a knee injury, Petr Cech should assume his duties as usual between the sticks. The former Czech international has kept just one clean sheet since the turn of the year.
In defence, Hector Bellerin may retain his position from the midweek game at right-back, whilst we are anticipating Sead Kolasinac to earn a rare league start on the left side of the defence.
Laurent Koscielny has not featured in recent league outings against Watford and Stoke City, and he may be rested once more with a view to the Moscow trip. In his absence, Calum Chambers appears the go-to pick to partner Shkodran Mustafi at the heart of the backline.
In midfield, Mohamed Elneny is a strong candidate to start his third straight game, and the Egyptian could partner Granit Xhaka in the centre of the park.
Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey and Alexandre Lacazette put in stellar displays versus CSKA, but the trio could be offered a breather on the bench versus Southampton.
Hence, we are fancying Danny Welbeck and Alex Iwobi to flank Jack Wilshere, who is likely to occupy an attacking midfield position behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The combination between Aubameyang and Lacazette was splendid to watch during the backend of the Stoke game, but Wenger may not risk the latter from the off as he remains the club’s key frontman for the Europa League.
