ARSENAL will be looking to get their faltering Premier League top four bid back on track when they meet Southampton at St Mary's on Saturday afternoon.
The Gunners have surrendered their advantage to arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the race for Champions qualification following a run of three defeats across their last four league games, the most recent of which was a 2-1 defeat at home to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Whilst Mikel Arteta's men are still in the mix for a much-coveted top four spot, they can ill-afford another off day on Saturday.
As such, Arsenal will have earmarked this weekend's fixture with Southampton as one where three points are vital if they are to hang on to the coattails of their North London neighbours.
The Saints have little left to play for and it would appear that their minds may already be on warmer climes than the south coast.
Ralph Hasenhüttl's charges were hammered 6-0 at home to Chelsea last weekend, a performance that bared all of the hallmarks of a side who very much appear to be on the beach.
Outright Betting
Southampton have lost five of their last six matches across all competitions and that is reflected in the odds with a Saints success trading 3/1 (Bet 365) while a share of the spoils can be backed at a best 13/5 (Bet 365).
Arsenal, who have avoided defeat in each of their last six Premier League meetings with Southampton, arrive at St Mary's 10/11/ (William Hill) favourites.
Betting Angles
At the best of times, Arsenal are difficult to trust at odds-on prices, so I'm happy to instead side with the even-money (PaddyPower) about the visitors scoring two more goals at St Mary's.
As already mentioned, the Gunners are quickly heading towards must-win territory if they are to stamp their ticket to Europe's top table next term.
Granted, you wouldn't necessarily associate Arsenal with scoring goals this season, but they will be coming up against a Saints side that have been shipping goals at an alarming rate in recent weeks.
In fact, only six Premier League teams have leaked more goals than Ralph Hasenhüttl's rearguard to date, with the home team recording a mere two clean sheets in their last 20 attempts.
It's also worth pointing out that the out-of-sorts south coast side have conceded a minimum of two goals in five of their last six matches in all competitions.
With that in mind, as well as Mikel Arteta's men undoubtedly being in greater need of the points, I'm more than happy to side with over one Arsenal goal at even-money with PaddyPower.
Elsewhere, I'll also head to the player card market and take the 5/1 available with Bet 365 for Southampton's Valentino Livramento to be carded.
Whilst the Saints right-back has been booked just twice in the Premier League this season, it could pay to go against the grain here given that his direct opponent is likely to be Gabriel Martinelli, who's pace and trickery has been causing opposition defenders all sorts of problems in recent months.
This English Premier League match between Southampton and Arsenal will be played on Apr 16, 2022 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Southampton vs Arsenal prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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