Arsenal vs. Southampton match thread: home sweet home

Today at 09:30 AM

The Gunners wrap up a home stand and block of matches before the international break.

Arsenal host Southampton at the Emirates in the final match before the October international break. It's been a strong period from the Gunners, navigating a difficult stretch of the schedule with a fair few injuries. It would be a real shame for Mikel Arteta's side to slip up against the struggling Saints.

Southampton come to the Emirates in 19th place on goal difference on one point. They've scored three goals in six matches and conceded 12. But we know that Aaron Ramsdale, now the Saints goalkeeper, is a quality shot-stopper. The former Arsenal man will be primed to put in a good performance against his old club. If Russell Martin's side is going to get anything at the Emirates, it'll be because Mr. Ramsdale had a lot to do with it.

Arsenal are dealing with a bit of an injury bug — both Jurrien Timber and Ben White will miss out with a minor knock and slight groin issue, respectively. With Takehiro Tomiyasu back in training but only fit enough to make the bench, Thomas Partey will start at right back. That hasn't gone all that well for Arsenal in the past. With his physical limitations, expect him to invert into midfield and spend most of the match there. That means Riccardo Calafiori will have to rein in his swashbuckling impulses on the other side a bit.

Mikel Arteta has elected to rotate his side somewhat, too. Gabriel Jesus starts up front with Kai Havertz dropping into midfield. Both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard will start on the bench, making room for Raheem Sterling to make his first Premier League start for Arsenal. I'm a bit concerned that all the changes will have Arsenal looking a bit disjointed, although it still should be enough to take care of business against Southampton at home.

Oleksandr Zinchenko is expected back after the international break. Mikel Arteta still won't put a timetable on Martin Odegaard's return, which is a bit worrisome for me. It feels like Arteta, Odegaard, and the club know it's going to be longer than the scant reports have suggested and are keeping that bit of information quiet. That's just my feeling, though. I might be Chicken Little about it.

Arsenal - Raya, Partey, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Jorginho, Havertz, Rice, Saka, Sterling, Jesus

Southampton - Ramsdale, Sugawara, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Walker-Peters, Manning, Downes, Aribo, Dibling, Fernandes, Stewart

WHO: Arsenal vs Southampton
WHAT: Premier League match day 7
WHEN: Saturday, October 5th, 10am EST/7am PST/3:00pm GMT
WHERE: The Emirates Stadium, London
HOW TO WATCH: Streaming live on the Peacock app

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