Important battle at the Emirates with both managers under huge scrutiny

Southampton return to Premier League action following the international break this weekend as they make the trip to North London to face Arsenal.

Both sides come into the clash under huge pressure having won a combined one game in their last ten between the two.

The Saints poor record continued last time out, losing 2-1 at home to Everton as their rechid home form continued.

As for the Gunners, they were beaten 2-0 by Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.

After a poor start to the season, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side are three points adrift of safety and boast a significantly worse goal difference than their rivals.

Much has been made of the Gunners’ inconsistent start to the season and they find themselves in sixth-place, already eight points off the top four.

Team News

The Gunners are set to welcome back former captain Granit Xhaka back into the squad for the first time since being stripped of the captaincy, while Sead Kolasinac faces a late fitness test.

Midfielder Dani Ceballos is still recovering from a thigh injury and the visit of the Saints may come too soon.

As for the Saints, they are at a full bill of health and are set to welcome back Ryan Bertrand from suspension, after the full-back missed the previous three games.

Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl knows the importance of rewarding the travelling fans:

“It’s a tough game. Going there to win is not easy, but we have shown a few good performances in away games so far and we are followed by 3,000 fans again, so they are still trusting and believing in us,” Hasenhuttl told the club website.

“For us, it’s a very important signal every time, to know they are following us and supporting us.”

Meanwhile, Unai Emery is fully aware of the threat Saints can pose on the road:

“Yes, every team is a very difficult team in the Premier League. I think they also need the points because they are now not in the best moment for them,” Emery told the Arsenal website.

But they are playing, I think, better away than in the matches at home. They are very competitive also, away. They lost 2-1 at the last moment against Manchester City, they won in Sheffield and also, they lost in the last moment against Tottenham.”

Head-to-head

Arsenal wins – 50

Draws – 26

Southampton wins– 21