Arsenal’s second-half performance against Newcastle on Monday night showed the players were determined to keep their good recent run going. There is no doubt that the Gunners still lack creativity but they are grinding out results.

After Southampton won against Shrewsbury, it means Mikel Arteta’s side will be facing Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side twice in four days, with the FA Cup clash at St Mary’s today first on the agenda.

In terms of team news, Dani Ceballos is a doubt with a muscular injury, while Pablo Mari (calf) is still sidelined, although Arsenal’s medical believe he will be back in training next week. It remains to be seen whether new loan signing Maty Ryan will be registered in time for the game.

Arsenal’s Predicted XI To Face Southampton:

Leno, Bellerin, Holding, Gabriel, Maitland-Niles, Elneny, Willock, Xhaka, Pepe, Nketiah, Nelson

The Saints should have Danny Ings back in contention but there are doubts over Oriol Romeu (calf) and Mohamed Salisu (muscular). Yannik Vestergaard (knee), Nathan Redmond (groin), Moussa Djenepo (hamstring), Nathan Tella (muscular), William Smallbone (knee) and Michael Obafemi are all unavailable.

Southampton’s Predicted XI:

Forster, Walker-Peters, Bednarek, Stephens, Bertrand, Armstrong, Diallo, Ward-Prowse, Adams, Ings, Walcott

The bookmakers have made Arsenal very narrow favourites with Unibet pricing them at 27/20 for the win. A draw is 12/5 with William Hill while a Southampton victory is 21/10 at Paddy Power.

Predicted Score – 1-1 (Arsenal to win on penalties)