By Danong
Arsenal return to action with a quarter-final FA Cup clash against Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium.
St Mary’s has long proved a difficult ground for the Gunners. In their last five visits, they have managed just one victory, a frustrating record given that, on paper, this is a fixture where Arsenal should be odds-on favourites.
Even so, while Arsenal are expected to prevail tonight, they will need to bring their A-game.
Southampton arrive unbeaten in 14 matches, enjoying their best run of form in recent memory, and they will be ready to put up a fight. Arsenal, therefore, must be prepared for everything thrown their way.
Fingers crossed, most of our key players are fit, especially after several withdrew from international duty with injury concerns.
From Mikel Arteta’s Friday press conference:
- Jurrien Timber and Martin Odegaard are in contention.
- Eberechi Eze and Piero Hincapie are ruled out with no timeline for return.
- Noni Madueke is sidelined, though expected back within days.
Ideally, Arteta should field this line-up:
Kepa
Ben White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Lewis Skelly
Norgaard, Havertz, Odegaard
Dowman, Gyokeres, Martinelli
Despite injuries forcing notable absences, Arsenal should still have enough to dispatch Southampton on Saturday night and book their place in the semi-finals, one step closer to clinching a record 15th FA Cup trophy.
Losing the Carabao Cup to Manchester City before the break may have ended hopes of a quadruple, but the treble dream remains alive. Victory here would edge Arsenal closer to that ambition.
Securing the FA Cup, Premier League, and Champions League would be a fitting and deserved way for Arsenal to crown this season.
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