Arsene Wenger and Arsenal take on Southampton in the FA cup fourth round at The St Mary’s Stadium today.
As everyone can tell, this isn’t a match up one predicts with absolute confidence as The Saints have proved time and time again, against us that they are more than capable of handling us at home.
Their last five games against Arsenal have seen them claim four clean sheets as well as some convincing victories.
From a 1-1 draw in 2013 to a 2-2 draw in 2014, a 2-nil victory in Jan 2015, followed by a 4-nil scoreline in Dec 2015.
They also saw us off in the EFL cup or as popularly called, Carling cup with a 2-nil victory on the same ground courtesy of a Ryan Bertrand inspired display.
Southampton stands the opportunity to be the first team since Manchester United in 1982/83 seasons to knock Arsenal out of two domestic cup competitions should they win tomorrow.
Arsene Wenger has only failed to progress from the round 16 in his 20-year reign on four occasions. With Leeds United 1996/97, Leicester 1999/2000, Bolton 2005/06 and Stoke City 2009/10 making up the list.
On the other hand, ever since that week in December where we lost away to Everton and Man City, The North London club have gone unbeaten till date with 5W 1D.
Furthermore, The Gunners have never lost to Southampton in an FA cup tie. Their last meeting ended in a lone goal victory for Arsenal courtesy of a Robert Pires goal in 2003.
The Gunners have also won all their 5 away games in the competition making it 5 wins. However, we have NEVER won 6 consecutively in the FA cup.
This fixture certainly makes for a record-breaking evening of football as both sides will give it their best in order to progress further in the competition.
Despite the above stated, I remain confident in the ability of the lads to deliver a victory for The Gunners.
Considering it is a Cup competition, Ospina in goal with his four horsemen is the only certainty for today’s lineup.
Possible lineups and prediction have already been posted.
Kick off: 18:30 GMT + 1, Venue: St Mary’s Stadium, Date: Saturday 28th of January 2017.
