Arsenal News
An Arsenal side trailing fifth-placed Chelsea by five points welcome a Southampton side in dire straits. Before this 32nd round of the Premier League (PL) the Saints find themselves in 18th place and three points from safety.
With two draws and three losses in the last five games in the PL, recently-hired Saints boss Mark Hughes is in desperate need of points to stay in the top tier next season.
Arsenal, despite a shaky 2018, have recently found some much-needed good form. With five straight wins in all competitions, including two solid wins against AC Milan in the Europa League, the Gunners come in to this game with positive momentum.
Arsenal won comprehensively against CSKA in the EL on Thursday (4-1), but come into this game with only two full days of rest. Arsenal have only dropped points in four out of 16 home matches all season, but can Southampton’s ‘fresher legs’ make a difference at the Emirates?
Players Soccer Pick:
With four goals in the last three league games, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has seemingly settled at the club, and will look to improve his tally here.
With six PL goals to his name this season, Charlie Austin is Southampton’s main goal scoring threat. Having recently returned from injury, the striker will be vital in the Saints bid to maintain their PL status.
Stat Strategy Soccer Pick:
No place like home? Of Arsenal’s 51 points this PL campaign, 38 points have come in front of their home fans.
The early bird gets the worm! When in front at half time at the Emirates this season (nine occasions so far), Arsenal have won all of their games.
In the last five games head to head with the Gunners (in all competitions), the Saints have one win, one draw and three losses.
Away from home, 53% of Southampton’s games have ended with over 2.5 goals.
Soccer Pick: Both Teams To Score YES
Odds: 1.66
