Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Southampton: Premier League Final Day
Arsenal will conclude their Premier League season with a match against relegated Southampton at St. Mary’s on Sunday. The Gunners are all but assured of a third consecutive second-place finish, following their 1-0 win over Newcastle United last time out. According to Sports Illustrated, only a dramatic collapse would allow Manchester City to usurp Mikel Arteta’s side on the final day.
The publication reports that Arsenal have ended the 2024-25 season without silverware, but a win over Southampton could provide some much-needed momentum heading into the summer. The team’s recent performances have been inconsistent, but a strong showing against the Saints could give the players and fans something to build on.
In goal, Sports Illustrated predict that David Raya will start, and he will become the fourth goalkeeper in Premier League history to retain the Golden Glove if he keeps a clean sheet. On the right side of defence, Ben White is expected to feature, despite being left out of the England squad for their June fixtures.
At centre-back, Jakub Kiwior and Riccardo Calafiori are predicted to start, with Kiwior sliding over to the right side of the defence in place of the injured William Saliba. Calafiori, who is a centre-back by trade, impressed alongside Kiwior against Newcastle last week and will likely retain his place.
On the left side of defence, Myles Lewis-Skelly is poised to start, having enjoyed a breakout season. Kieran Tierney should get another run out before reuniting with Celtic, but Lewis-Skelly is expected to keep his place. In midfield, Sports Illustrated predict that Jorginho, Declan Rice, and Ethan Nwaneri will feature.
Jorginho, who is leaving Arsenal to join Flamengo this summer, is expected to start on what should be a serene outing. Rice has been superb during the second half of the season and will likely conclude the campaign in Arsenal’s midfield. Nwaneri, meanwhile, has continued to operate firmly behind the captain, but may get the chance to play 90 minutes at Southampton.
Up front, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli are predicted to start. Saka’s injury-hit season will conclude at St. Mary’s, and he will be hopeful of enjoying a productive outing before teaming up with the England squad next month. Havertz needs one more goal to hit double digits for the Premier League season and could be ready for a recall to Arteta’s starting XI.
The publication also notes that Martinelli has battled Leandro Trossard for a starting berth all year, and the pair will share the minutes down Arsenal’s left flank. With this predicted lineup, Arsenal will look to end their season on a high note and secure a positive result against Southampton.
The match against Southampton will be an opportunity for Arsenal to fine-tune their preparations for next season and provide some much-needed momentum heading into the summer. As Sports Illustrated report, the team’s recent performances have been inconsistent, but a strong showing against the Saints could give the players and fans something to build on.
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