Southampton Take On Arsenal In A Battle For The Fourth Place

When Southampton FC lost most of their better performers from last season, it was impossible to visualise that come January they would be fighting to remain in the top four. Yet, that is exactly what they are doing. Manager Ronal Koeman had replaced his outgoing players with even better performers and now his wards will take on a resurgent Arsenal to remain in the top four on the first day of the New Year.

In the last five games across all competitions Southampton FC have won two, drawn one and lost the other two matches. In the league at the last match they drew at home to table toppers Chelsea. In the previous two matches they won away to Crystal Palace and at home to Everton. These were after they lost to Sheffield's United and were knocked out of the League Cup.

Arsenal FC, on the other hand, have shown a lot of fight and character in their last few matches. In the last six matches across all competitions they have won four and drawn the other away to Liverpool. They last lost away to Stoke City at the beginning of December.

Arsenal FC's form has been buoyed by the return of their first choice back four. With a settled defense, Arsenal FC's attacking game has found a substantial base to build upon. This was most profoundly shown when they held on to a two one victory over Queens Park Rangers even after going down to ten men with most of the second half still to be played.

Incidentally the teams had met each other less than a month back at the Emirates. On that occasion Arsenal's best performer of the season so far, Alexis Sanchez, got them the three points with an 89th minute strike. Arsene Wenger's men enjoy a very good record against Southampton. They are undefeated in the last ten matches, with six wins. In the last four matches at St Mary's there have been three draws and a win for Arsenal. Last meeting at St Mary's resulted in a two all draw.