Arsenal face a crucial end to the Premier League season as they seek a top-four finish, with the Gunners preparing for a run-in where they’ll need to secure maximum points and hope that the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool stumble.
Arsene Wenger’s side play twice before Liverpool clash with West Ham on Sunday and can cut the deficit to just one point by beating Southampton tomorrow and Stoke City on Saturday, which will increase the pressure on Jurgen Klopp’s side.
However, Arsenal have their work cut out as tomorrow’s opponents frustrated Liverpool in a goalless draw at the weekend whilst Stoke has always been a difficult place for the Gunners to visit, not least due to the warm reception Wenger and Aaron Ramsey receive.
Having blown away Manchester United at the weekend, Arsenal carry confidence into tomorrow night’s game on the South Coast but changes may need to be made to the side, as both Laurent Koscielny and Granit Xhaka are carrying problems.
Should Koscielny be absent, Arsenal will have a tough task to solidify their defensive ranks as Shkodran Mustafi is yet to return, which would leave just Gabriel Paulista and Rob Holding as recognised central defenders in the side.
Whether Koscielny is fit or not though, Arsenal must continue to select former Bolton Wanderers defender Holding at the back as the youngster has impressed thoroughly during his recent opportunities in the side- excelling in a three-back formation.
The 21-year-old was solid against Manchester United at the weekend and also impressed in previous victories over Manchester City in the FA Cup and Middlesbrough in the Premier League, with the defence looking lacklustre in the North London derby without him.
Arsene Wenger spoke ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Southampton and praised the performances of Holding, highlighting the fact he has grown into the matches he’s featured in and looked particularly impressive in the second-half.
“I expect good performances. He had some positive performances before. He has shown intelligence, composure on the ball. He need some experience. In every game he played he became stronger throughout the game. He always had convincing second halves.”
“He’s still a bit introvert. He’s not big speaking at the moment.”
With Koscielny potentially absent, Holding’s role in the middle of defence will be crucial to any hopes of Arsenal taking maximum points from their clash with Claude Peul’s side tomorrow and he’ll face another stern test.
However, it’s a chance for Holding to solidify his first-team spot in the side once again and potentially assure himself of regular football next season, where the summer signing from last year could feature in a back-three formation alongside Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi.