Our live stream ahead of Tuesdays Premier League match, Southampton vs Arsenal is now up, kicking off at 20.15 GMT
You can keep an eye on the commentary as it happens below, but first, we take a preview into the fixture, lineups, predictions and much more…
A morale-boosting win against Arsenal at the weekend was just what the doctor ordered for a Southampton side who have started to falter in the league, as they can only boast one victory from their last six in the top flight, although that was their historic triumph over Liverpool earlier this month.
Leicester City stamped their authority on Hasenhuttl’s side last weekend to leave them 10th in the table – level on points with Chelsea, who have played a game more – but the Saints remain just three points adrift of the top six as the battle for a European berth hots up.
Arsenal boss Arteta handed opportunities to several fringe players at St Mary’s, but the Gunners were second best throughout much of the tie as their love affair with the FA Cup ended at the second hurdle – for this season at least.
The defeat comes as a devastating blow to an Arsenal team who have certainly upped their game in recent weeks, but with Arteta set to recall some of his big-hitters to the lineup on Tuesday, Gooners should be able to enjoy a more assured performance from their side in midweek.
Victory for Arsenal here would see them temporarily rise above Southampton, Aston Villa and Chelsea into eighth before the latter two teams play on Wednesday, but having already suffered one defeat on the South Coast this season, a rejigged Gunners side must have their wits about them if they are to get their instant revenge.
LAST MEETING:
An own goal from Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes was all that separated the two sides at St Mary’s on Saturday, as the Saints claimed a deserved 1-0 win over the FA Cup holders…
PRESS CONFERENCE:
RALPH HASENHUTTL
On Lampard sacking…
“I think it’s not interesting what my reaction was because I have other issues at the moment to think about than to think about I think it was the second sacking of this season from the Premier League so far.
“It’s part of the business and I have to be honest I have other issues to think about; a lot of injured players – Kyle Walker-Peters took an injury today in the session, so he’s also maybe also out for tomorrow. I definitely have other issues at the moment, other problems.”
On squad fitness…
“It looks that he (Walker-Peters) can definitely not make it tomorrow – this is another setback for us, to be honest.
“It’s the quad area, he’s got some problems. He only warmed up a little bit today and then felt some problems so had to stop.
“After Ryan Bertrand out with his fifth yellow card, we have to find the right solutions at full-back. It’s an important position for our game.”
On the Saints first half to the season…
“After a difficult start losing the first two games, we have had a remarkable comeback, to be honest.
“We played some fantastic games, with some amazing results. The 29 points we have so far are fantastic, I don’t know when we had that last season? The points per game average is very good, and also the way we’ve played is nice to watch.
“You can see a team that is absolutely developing their game, and I’m very proud of all the good stuff we showed this season.
“It would be a perfect season if we would have the fans back in the ground, that would be even nicer if they could be back and watching us live. But hopefully, that will come, and we’re not ending the season without them. “
On whether beating Arsenal in the FA Cup will give them a mental edge…
“It’s a new game and I don’t know how much impact it has in the game tomorrow. Definitely, they will want to turn the tables, and for us, with a few changes in the team, we have to show another good performance.
“I think, with the ball, we can play better than last Saturday, because it was definitely not our best performance with the ball. Against the ball it was a very good performance, and against the top six teams this is the more important thing.
“When we can manage to bring both strong parts of our game on the pitch, then we have a good chance to win again.”
MIKEL ARTETA
On squad depth and previous meeting with Southampton…
“Well, I cannot complain with the squad that I have with the players that I have.
“I’m disappointed with the way we lost the game and the way we gave them the goal. Then in the opponents box when we had the chances, we didn’t hit the target.
“Like that obviously in this competition against these opponents, you are out.
“But I don’t want to put any individual there. They all give their best and they will keep trying to do that and we are here to support them and try to improve them.”
FORM:
Southampton Premier League form: DLDDWL
Southampton form (all competitions): DDWLWW
Arsenal Premier League form: LWWWDW
Arsenal form (all competitions): WWWDWL
LINEUPS:
Southampton possible starting lineup:
McCarthy; Valery, Bednarek, Stephens, Vokins; Walcott, Diallo, Ward-Prowse, Armstrong; Ings, Adams
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Leno; Bellerin, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Smith Rowe, Martinelli; Lacazette
THATSAGOAL TIP:
Under 2.5 Goals – 10/11 with FanTeam
These two sides have faced each other twice since December with each fixture ending with under 2.5 goals. Southampton prevailed 1-0 in the FA Cup last time out and the scoreline is likely to be kept low once again.
Arsenal’s defensive displays have earned a lot of praise in recent weeks whilst their attack, although improved, is still some way from the finished product under Mikel Arteta. Southampton’s attacking output has slowed lately and coupled with the Gunner’s solidity, should result in an even contest with few goals.
Time to take a look at our Southampton vs Arsenal live match stream as it happens…
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