This might prove the ideal occasion for Arsenal’s misfiring strikers to win some confidence back, given Southampton are beset with injury and suspension problems to the extent that they are likely to start the hastily signed Willy Caballero – now 40 – in goal due to injuries to Alex McCarthy and Fraser Forster. Mikel Arteta’s side tend to tick off this kind of assignment with minimal fuss, but there will be pressure on them to maintain that trend if they are not to enter a winter nosedive. Saints, fun but frustrating, would like to maintain daylight between themselves and the relegation zone. Nick Ames
Saturday 3pm
Venue Emirates Stadium
Last season Arsenal 1 Southampton 1
Referee Jarred Gillett
This season G3 Y15 R0 5 cards/game
Odds H 13-19 A 47-10 D 3-1
ARSENAL
Subs from Leno, Hein, Okonkwo, Chambers, Marí, Holding, Soares, Tavares, Lokonga, Elneny, Maitland-Niles, Pépé, Balogun, Martinelli, Nketiah, Lacazette
Doubtful Leno (groin), Martinelli (hamstring), Smith Rowe (groin)
Injured Kolasinac (ankle, unknown)
Suspended None
Discipline Y20 R1
Form WWLWLL
Leading scorer Smith Rowe 5
SOUTHAMPTON
Subs from Lewis, Obafemi, Simeu, Valery, McQueen, Long, Walcott, Perraud, Djenepo, Stephens, A Armstrong, Elyounoussi
Doubtful Bednarek (calf), S Armstrong (calf), Adams (muscle)
Injured McCarthy (hamstring, 4 weeks), Forster (hip, 1-2 weeks)
Suspended Romeu (one match), Salisu (one match)
Discipline Y28 R1
Form WWLLDD
Leading scorers Adams, Broja 3
