Unai Emery has his board’s public backing but that will surely wear exceedingly thin if Arsenal slip up against Southampton or, next weekend, Norwich. He may spring a surprise by recalling Granit Xhaka – a temptation given the thin midfield options at his disposal – but is more likely to use the bulk of the side that put in an improved performance at Leicester before the international break, perhaps reverting to a back four. A dominant showing is needed, for the first time this season really, against opponents who should be there for the taking. Nick Ames
Saturday 3pm
Venue Emirates Stadium
Last season Arsenal 2 Southampton 0
Referee Stuart Attwell
This season G6 Y19 R1 3.33 cards/game
Odds H 1-2 A 28-5 D 4-1
ARSENAL
Subs from Martínez, Kolasinac, Nelson, Mustafi, Holding, Chambers, Xhaka, Martinelli, Pépé, Saka, Smith Rowe, Mavropanos, Maitland-Niles
Doubtful Holding (unknown), Kolasinac (hamstring), Saka (unknown)
Injured Ceballos (hamstring, 21 Dec)
Suspended None
Discipline Y27 R1
Form DWLDDL
Leading scorer Aubameyang 8
SOUTHAMPTON
Subs from Gunn, Lewis, Soares, Yoshida, Adams, Djenepo, Boufal, Obafemi, Bertrand, Vokins, Slattery, Ramsay, Danso, Sims, McQueen
Doubtful None
Injured None
Suspended None
Discipline Y14 R2
Form LLDLLL
Leading scorer Ings 5
