Arsenal will be aiming to record back-to-back home wins in the Premier League for the first time this season when they entertain Southampton at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon.
After conceding a gut-wrenching late equaliser away at Man City two weeks ago, the Gunners got back up and running with a 4-2 in over Leicester last weekend, bringing up my Bet Builder in the process.
Mikel Arteta’s men carried that momentum into the Champions League in midweek by claiming a 2-0 win over French powerhouse PSG.
Back at their capital headquarters this weekend, Arsenal will look to bank another three points by putting Southampton to the sword.
The Saints have had a torrid time of things since returning to the top-flight, collecting a paltry one point from their opening six contests of the campaign.
Russell Martin’s men were blown away by a Bournemouth first-half blitz on Monday night, in another game that brought me some Bet Builder joy.
How the bookies view it: Another Saints defeat a sure thing
Unsurprisingly, Arsenal are overwhelming favourites on Saturday, with a home success trading at a lowly 1/9 on Betano.
Southampton are a whopping 17/1 (Betano) to secure their first league win of the season, while the draw is also deemed improbable at 15/2 (Betano).
Head to head: Saints seeking more solace
Amidst their current woes, there is a small crumb of comfort for Southampton when it comes to this fixture, as they are undefeated in each of their last three meetings with Arsenal, the most recent of which was a frantic 3-3 draw at this venue back in April 2023.
Players to watch: Kai to kibosh Saints?
Kai Havertz has scored in each of Arsenal’s last two matches and the German ace looks overpriced at 6/5 (Bet 365 ) to strike against a Southampton side that have looked out of their depth following their promotion back to the Premier League.
The one shining light for Southampton this season has been the emergence of Tyler Dibling. The Saints teenage star is a towering 12/1 (UniBet) to notch in North London.
Predicted line-ups
Arsenal quartet Kieran Tierney, Martin Odegaard, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu all currently find themselves on the treatment table.
Russell Martin is expected to make changes following Monday night’s 3-1 defeat to Bournemouth, though he will be without injured trio Gavin Bazunu, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Will Smallbone.
Arsenal: Raya; Calafiori, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Partey, Rice; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli; Havertz
Southampton: Ramsdale; Sugawara, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Taylor; Ugochukwu, Downes; Dibling, Aribo, Brereton Diaz; Archer
Anything else catch the eye?
With Arsenal simply unbackable at the above-mentioned price, I’ll get creative via the Bet Builder tool by coupling up a home win alongside Flynn Downes to commit over 1.5 fouls at 11/10 (UniBet).
The Saints midfield scrapper committed three fouls against Bournemouth on Monday night, and he also talked his way into the referee’s notebook.
What's more, Downes was guilty of five offences away at Newcastle on matchday one, and he also totted up three at home to Man United.
Given that Arsenal will represent an upgrade on all of Southampton’s previous challenges this season, a home win and two or more misdemeanours from Downes merits support at odds-against.
This English Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton will be played on Oct 5, 2024 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Arsenal vs Southampton prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
