Arsenal to Move Clear of Chelsea
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There are two Premier League matches on Sunday, both of which kick-off at the same time and one of those games is between Arsenal and Southampton.
The Gunners are aiming for a top four place so they can return to the Champions League next season and this is considered a must-win match. Southampton begin the weekend in the relegation zone and need the points in their battle against the drop.
Arsenal played in the Europa League on Thursday night and overturned a 1-0 deficit from the first leg against BATE Borisov to progress to the Round of 16. Having already been eliminated from the FA Cup, Arsenal’s last two games have been in the Europa League and you must go back to the 2-1 win over Huddersfield Town on the 9th February for their last Premier League match.
Arsenal’s form has been inconsistent of late and they have won seven, lost seven and drawn one of their last fifteen games in all competitions.
However, home form has been good and trends show Arsenal have won each of their last six Premier League matches and are unbeaten in their last twelve. You must go back to the 2-0 loss against Manchester City at the beginning of the season to find the last time Arsenal lost a league game at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners have scored 2 or more goals in five of their last six home Premier League matches.
Southampton have had a long break since their last game and plenty of time to work on things ahead of the remainder of the season. They will need to bounce back strongly having lost last time out at home to Cardiff City, with the visitors scoring a late winning in what was a poor defeat.
The Saints have won one of their last five games in all competitions and two of their last ten. Premier League form shows they have been tough to beat and they have lost one of their last six matches but have won only two.
Away form shows they have won two and drawn two of their last four league games, picking up an impressive point in a 0-0 draw at Chelsea and a win at Leicester City.
Team news and Arsenal will continue without Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding and Danny Welbeck who all have long term injuries. Alexandre Lacazette should return to the starting XI having been suspended in mid-week and Mesut Ozil will hope to keep his place in the team.
Southampton are still without striker Danny Ings who has a hamstring problem. Stuart Armstrong and Michael Obafemi could come into contention but Mario Lemina has a stomach problem.
This match may not be as clear cut as the league table suggests. Southampton have made things difficult for their opponents away from home recently but the Gunners should have the fire power to break them down and take maximum points.
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