Arsenal will look to get back into the top four when they take on a high flying Southampton side at St Mary’s on New Year’s eve.
The Gunners are in fine form following their back to back 2-1 wins against QPR and West Ham United, which has propelled them to 5th in the League table with only goal difference separating them from 4th placed Southampton.
The North London club have not been at their best in the past few games but still managed to get away with 6 points and if they can manage the same against the Saints then they will find themselves in the top four.
However it won’t come easy as Southampton have been in great form this season and even managed to get a point of the League leaders last weekend, so they too will look for a victory.
We have a good record at the St Mary’s as we are unbeaten in the last 4 games with three of them being draws. If we can play the same way as we did against West Ham then a victory is definitely possible, but we need to be committed in the defence.
My Prediction is 3-2 in favour of Arsenal.
TEAM NEWS
There are no fresh injury concerns in the defence, so Wenger is unlikely to make any changes to the back four that started against West Ham United with Gibbs, Mertesacker, Koscielny and Debuchy occupying the defensive positions in front of Szczesny.
The defensive midfield pair of Coquelin and Flamini who impressed against the Hammers are likely to keep their starting positions.
Ozil has reportedly returned to full training yesterday, but the play-maker is not expected to feature in any capacity in this game. Ramsey is yet to recover from hamstring injury and accompanies Wilshere and Arteta on the sidelines.
Rosicky, who was rested for the game at Upton park will definitely make the starting line-up after impressing against QPR on Boxing day. Wenger confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Walcott is still isn’t match fit yet, but the Englishman might make an impact from the subs bench.
Welbeck suffered a thigh strain against the Hammers and is unlikely to be risked. Giroud is still suspended, so Sanchez might start upfront with Cazorla taking his position on the left and Chamberlain continuing on the right wing.
PREDICTED LINE-UP
http://www.footyformation.com/team/view/slug/kda
Can we start the New Year with a win?
