Arsenal welcome Southampton in the Premier League on Tuesday night, as the Gunners look to get their Premier League title challenge back on track after their hard fought win against Burnley in The FA cup over the weekend.
The North London club’s form in the League hasn’t been attractive as they took just two points from possible nine. However with key players returning in the form of Alexis and Coquelin, Wenger’s side will look to put the past few weeks behind them and move forward.
The match is of high significance for the Emirates club as they are desperate for a win to keep the pressure on Leicester and Manchester City in the title race. Leicester City have a tough task ahead of them as they take on Liverpool, while City who have been struggling on their travels take on Sunderland away.
Speaking to Arsenal’s official website ahead of the game, Wenger said:
It’s(February) a big month for us. I am quite confident, having everybody available, that we can do very well. What is important now is for us to be capable of focusing and coping with that kind of expectation level.
A decent win against Burnley may not be sufficient but the Frenchman is hoping his team can bounce back. Southampton are in great form with three wins in a row. Ronald Koeman has tinkered a bit with formations and lineups, and it is working for him.
The addition of Charlie Austin to a team that is already playing well and with confidence could mean a nervy evening at the Emirates.
Arsenal Team News:
Alexis Sanchez and Francis Coquelin are fit and ready for the fixture. Unfortunately, Thomas Rosicky who made a cameo appearance against Burnley on Saturday had a set back.
Mertesacker will return in defence after serving a one-match ban for his red card against Chelsea. It is unlikely to see Elneny and Coquelin start in midfield together, Elneny looked bright on his Gunners debut but Wenger might prefer experienced Ramsey ahead of him.
Southampton Team News:
Graziano Pelle and Gardos are causalities for Ronald Koeman. The Dutch boss is expected to field the same side he used against Manchester United last weekend. The new signing Charlie Austin will once again start from the bench.
