Arsenal
Arsenal V Southampton – Injury News, Predicted Lineup, Match Facts, Preview And Prediction
Arsenal vs. Southampton
Nov 23, 2013 at 3pm (UK)
Emirates Stadium
Can the high-flying Saints upset the Gunners?
Arsenal vs Southampton – few would have thought it to be a top of the table clash after 11 gameweeks. But yet it reamins as one of the big matches this week. The Gunners who lead Liverpool by 2 points host the high-flying Southampton side who are just a point below the Reds at third place and just three points adrift of Arsenal. A win against the Londoners tomorrow will mean that Mauricio Pochettino’s men will be on par with the Gunners and potentially move above them.
The Gunners come into the game on the back of a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United thanks to a goal from former Arsenal man Robin Van Persie which cut short their lead at the top of the table, but with star players like Ozil, Ramsey, Giroud and Koscielny having had a much needed rest during the International break the Gunners will be hoping that they can get back to the winning ways.
The last time these two sides faced, it ended as a 1-1 draw. This time around the Saints come into the game with the record of having the meanest defence in the league. With just 5 goals conceded from the 11 games, they look formidable at the back and to top that Southampton are unbeaten in 8 consecutive matches, something for Arsene Wenger to worry about. It will be interesting to see how the Arsenal attacking trio of Ozil, Cazorla and Ramsey try to break down the resolute Southampton side on top of their team pressing which will again leave Mikel Arteta as the crucial man in the heart of the midfield.
Team News:
Arsenal:
Walcott is back
The big news is of course the return of speedster Theo Walcott, who according to Wenger is completely fit again. Although it is not clear whether the winger will be allowed to start after spending an extended time on the sidelines, but it is rest assured that he will make a substitute appearance. Elsewhere, Lukas Podolski is just two or three weeks away while long term absentees Chamberlain and Sanogo continue their rehabitialition work. One major worry for the Gunners would be the fitness of Thomas Rosicky, the Czech International missed out United’s game and a late fitness test will reveal the midfielder’s fate before the game tomorrow.
Read Arsene Wenger’s press conference as he revels the team news before the game.
Southampton:
After their impressive start to the campaign, the likes of Adam Lallana, Jay Rodriguez and Rickie Lambert got call-ups from Roy Hodgson to play for the national team against Chile and Germany. The Saints have no fresh injuries to worry about and Pochettino will almost have his first team for the London trip.
Possible starting lineups:
Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs; Ramsey, Arteta; Rosicky, Cazorla, Ozil; Giroud
Southampton: Boruc; Clyne, Fonte, Lovren, Shaw; Wanyama, Schneiderlin; Ward-Prowse, Lallana, Rodriguez; Lambert
Match Facts:
- Arsenal have not lost a home league game against Southampton since November 1987, winning 13 and drawing five of their 18 matches since.
- Only Arsenal (22) have won more points in the Barclays Premier League since the start of September than Southampton (18).
- Southampton’s win ratio against Arsenal in the Premier League (14%) is the lowest of any side they’ve played more than three times in the competition.
- Southampton have conceded six or more goals in six different Premier League games – the last two of which have been away at Arsenal (Sept 2012 and May 2003).
- Aaron Ramsey has netted 11 times in 18 competitive appearances for Arsenal this season, this after scoring 11 in his previous 150 competitive appearances for the club before 2013-14.
- Of the seven players to have a league-high four assists so far this season, three are Arsenal players (Giroud, Ozil and Ramsey).
Stats complied from Yahoosport
Prediction:
Arsenal 2-1 Southampton
Blast from the past:
Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what could prove decisive for the Gunners’ Premier League title ambitions. Arsenal sit top of the table with 61 points from 28 matches, five points clear of Manchester City, who still have a game in hand, while Chelsea occupy 7th with 45 points after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Burnley at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
This represents a huge opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to put further distance between themselves and the chasing pack before facing Brighton away on Wednesday. Chelsea arrive at the Emirates in patchy form under Liam Rosenior, who has won just two of his eight league matches since replacing Enzo Maresca in January despite an encouraging start to his tenure.
Kick-off: 4:30 GMT, Sunday, March 1, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports
Kai Havertz Returns to Haunt Former Club
Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Kai Havertz will train on Saturday ahead of the Chelsea clash, giving the German a chance to feature against his former employers. Havertz has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early February, but scored the winner in Arsenal’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi final victory over Chelsea earlier this month.
The 26 year old has endured a nightmare campaign with injuries limiting him to just 158 Premier League minutes this season, though he has still managed two goals and two assists when available. Viktor Gyokeres has flourished in Havertz’s absence, scoring twice in the 4-1 North London Derby demolition of Tottenham last weekend.
Rosenior Yet to Face Top Six Opposition
Liam Rosenior faces his first test against a top six side in the league since taking charge of Chelsea, having only faced teams sitting 7th or lower during his opening eight matches. His winning run needs proper context, given the quality of opposition, with recent dropped points against Leeds and Burnley at Stamford Bridge exposing serious vulnerabilities.
Arteta has beaten Rosenior twice already this season in the two legged Carabao Cup semi final, and the Spanish manager will fancy his chances of completing a treble over the Chelsea boss. Bukayo Saka should be fit despite limping off late against Spurs, while Ben White remains doubtful with a niggle.
Predicted Lineups: Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Also read: Kai Havertz Injury Update: Real Timeline and Medical Details Revealed!
Arsenal Dragon
Update Given Following Arsenal Injury Scare as Olivia Smith Discharged From Hospital After Being Stretchered Off During FA Cup Win Over Bristol City
Arsenal star Olivia Smith has been discharged from hospital after being stretchered off the field during their Women’s FA Cup game against Bristol City. The forward, who joined the Gunners in the summer, played just under an hour before being forced off with pictures showing a neck brace around the 21 year old at Meadow Park.
This was a worrying moment for Arsenal supporters watching on Sunday afternoon. The Canadian international went down, receiving lengthy treatment before being taken off on a stretcher as a precaution. Thankfully, the injury appears to be far less serious than initially feared.
Left Hospital Yesterday Evening
According to Arsenal reporter Tim Stillman, Olivia Smith left the hospital yesterday evening after tests were run and will return to be assessed this week ahead of the March international break. This is brilliant news for Arsenal, who cannot afford to lose Smith for any length of time, given her importance to the team.
It is believed that her involvement with Canada is still up in the air, with the Canucks facing a triple header of friendlies against Colombia, Argentina, and the United States over the coming two weeks. Arsenal’s next match sees them face London City Lionesses in mid March.
Big Boost for Champions League Hopes
With no video available for Arsenal’s cup game against Bristol City, there was huge concern surrounding Smith’s condition for those unable to attend the game at Meadow Park. Thankfully, what seemed initially to be a severe injury has turned out to be a fairly minor incident.
While Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo are both more than capable options to lead the line, it has been Smith who has been Renee Slegers’ favoured choice and proven to be a brilliant signing since her arrival from Liverpool. Having Smith likely available for both legs of the Chelsea Champions League quarter final is a massive boost for Arsenal’s hopes of retaining their European crown.
Arsenal
Arsenal Star Named WSL Player of the Month for January as Midfielder Continues Outstanding Form Following 400th Appearance Milestone
Kim Little has been named January’s Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month, recognition that follows her 400th appearance for Arsenal. The captain has made an outstanding start to 2026, completing every minute in the WSL and helping secure two clean sheets and four points from fixtures against Manchester United and Chelsea.
Little drove the midfield against United in the 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium and was again pivotal in the disciplined defensive display at Stamford Bridge that delivered that historic 2-0 win over the Blues. This is absolutely deserved recognition for one of Arsenal’s most influential players, who continues to perform at the highest level despite being 35 years old.
400th Appearance Came in Belgium
Little’s landmark 400th appearance came in Belgium as Arsenal won 4-0 at OH Leuven to close in on a Champions League London derby with Chelsea. The Scottish playmaker came on as a second half substitute in the 82nd minute, replacing Olivia Smith, to reach 400 appearances.
This achievement is even more notable given the time she spent playing in the USA and Australia during her career. Little has become one of the defining figures of the modern Arsenal era, establishing herself as an absolute legend at the club.
Chelsea Awaits in Champions League Quarterfinals
Provided nothing dramatic unfolds at Meadow Park next week, Chelsea awaits in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Arsenal hold a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg and are overwhelming favorites to progress to a mouth watering London derby in the last eight.
Little will be central to Arsenal’s hopes of defending their Champions League crown, with the midfielder’s experience and leadership qualities proving invaluable during the knockout stages of major competitions. Her consistent performances continue to set the standard for everyone around her.
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