Arsenal travel to St Mary’s to face Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals, looking to bounce back from last week’s final defeat to Manchester City and book a place in the semis.
Southampton vs Arsenal Match Summary
Southampton welcome Arsenal to St. Mary's Stadium for a quarter-final showdown in the FA Cup on Saturday 4 April 2026. The Saints arrive riding a remarkable unbeaten run across all competitions, while the Gunners are dusting themselves down after Manchester City beat them in the Carabao Cup final before the international break.
With a Champions League trip to Sporting on Tuesday looming large, Mikel Arteta faces a genuine dilemma over how many of his first-choice stars to rest. These two clubs have plenty of FA Cup history between them, not least Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Southampton in the 2003 final. Kick-off is at 19:00 GMT.
Southampton vs Arsenal Current Form
Southampton's form heading into this fixture is outstanding. The Championship side are unbeaten in 14 matches in league and cup, and they knocked out Premier League opposition in Fulham during the previous round. Arsenal, by contrast, must dust themselves down after the disappointment of the Carabao Cup final defeat. In recent meetings, the Saints hold a record of one win, two draws, and three losses against the Gunners across their last six outings. Arsenal's overall dominance across 108 total meetings is clear, but Southampton have shown they can be stubborn and competitive when these two sides collide.
Who is the Betting Favourite in Southampton vs Arsenal?
Arsenal are the strong betting favourites to beat Southampton. Latest odds imply roughly a 70% chance of an Arsenal win, with Southampton closer to 12%.
| Match Winner | Best Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Southampton | 15/2 | AK Bets |
| Arsenal | 4/9 | Coral |
| Draw | 21/5 | AK Bets |
Odds last updated at 1:30PM Saturday, 4th April.
Southampton vs Arsenal Team News
Injuries & Suspensions
|
Team |
Player |
Reason |
|---|---|---|
|
Southampton |
M. Roerslev |
Injured |
|
Southampton |
Welington |
Doubtful |
|
Southampton |
J. Robinson |
Doubtful |
|
Arsenal |
E. Eze |
Injured |
|
Arsenal |
N. Madueke |
Injured |
|
Arsenal |
M. Merino |
Injured |
|
Arsenal |
G. Magalhães |
Doubtful |
|
Arsenal |
D. Rice |
Doubtful |
|
Arsenal |
W. Saliba |
Doubtful |
|
Arsenal |
B. Saka |
Doubtful |
|
Arsenal |
J. Timber |
Doubtful |
|
Arsenal |
P. Hincapié |
Doubtful |
|
Arsenal |
M. Zubimendi |
Doubtful |
|
Arsenal |
M. Ødegaard |
Doubtful |
Southampton
Leo Scienza is expected to return from a groin injury, which is a welcome boost for the Saints. Fellow Brazilian Welington is doubtful with a muscle problem, while Jay Robinson faces a late fitness test due to a quad issue. Mads Roerslev has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Arsenal
Arteta is expected to name a weakened side ahead of Tuesday's Champions League fixture at Sporting, with Gabriel Jesus leading the line and Kepa Arrizabalaga handed another opportunity in goal despite his Carabao Cup final howler. Captain Martin Odegaard is a doubt, having been sidelined since February with a knee injury, so Arteta's fringe players will need to step up across the pitch.
Southampton vs Arsenal Lineup
Southampton (4-2-3-1): D. Peretz; R. Manning, J. Stephens, T. Harwood-Bellis, J. Bree; S. Charles, F. Downes; L. Scienza, F. Azaz, T. Fellows; C. Larin
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): K. Arrizabalaga; M. Lewis-Skelly, R. Calafiori, C. Mosquera, B. White; C. Nørgaard, M. Zubimendi; L. Trossard, M. Ødegaard, M. Dowman; G. Jesus
Southampton vs Arsenal Key Stats & Match Facts
- Southampton have seen over 2.5 goals in their last three matches against Arsenal in all competitions.
- Arsenal have scored at least two goals in their last three outings against Southampton in all competitions.
- In their previous six meetings, Southampton have managed one win, two draws, and three defeats against the Gunners.
- Arsenal are the most successful club in FA Cup history with a record 14 tournament victories.
- Southampton knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup at St. Mary's during the 2020-21 season, winning 1-0 on home soil.
Southampton vs Arsenal Prediction & Best Bets
Southampton's unbeaten run deserves real respect, but Arsenal's squad depth tells the story here. Even a rotated Gunners side features Gabriel Jesus leading the line and Leandro Trossard providing quality from the left. Kepa in goal adds a degree of unpredictability, yet the attacking talent at Arteta's disposal is expected to test Southampton severely. The Saints will compete and may well find the net, but the quality gap across the pitch points to Arsenal coming through.
Match Prediction: Southampton 0-2 Arsenal
Best Bets
Bet 1:
- Bet: Both Teams to Score - No
Market: Both Teams To Score
Odds: 1/1
Bet 2:
- Bet: Anytime Goalscorer
Market: Gabriel Jesus
Odds: 29/20
BresBet
Southampton vs Arsenal Bet Builder
Our featured bet builder for this FA Cup quarter-final match focuses on a controlled Arsenal performance, combining Both Teams Not to Score, L. Scienza Over 0.5 Shots, Over 5.5 Arsenal Corners, and Over 7.5 Match Shots on Target.
The clean sheet angle stands out, with Arsenal expected to dominate proceedings and limit Southampton’s attacking opportunities. Their structure and control in possession should keep the hosts at arm’s length for long periods. That dominance also feeds into the corners market, where Arsenal’s attacking pressure and territorial advantage regularly translate into a high corner count.
Across the match, shots on target should accumulate naturally given Arsenal’s forward quality and Southampton’s willingness to sit deep and absorb pressure. Even if chances are more one-sided, the overall volume looks strong enough to clear the line.
L. Scienza adds an extra layer to the builder, with his willingness to shoot making him a solid pick to register at least one effort. Combined, these selections point towards a game where Arsenal control the tempo, create sustained pressure, and keep things tight at the back.
Best odds of 13/2 available at BetMGM UK while publishing.
Southampton vs Arsenal Talking Points
Arteta's rotation gamble is the headline storyline here. With the Champions League trip to Sporting just three days later, the Arsenal boss is set to leave out the likes of Saka, Rice, Saliba, and Timber, placing huge trust in his fringe players to get the job done. It is a calculated risk against a Southampton side riding a genuine wave of momentum.
The Saints' sole FA Cup triumph came in 1976, when they stunned Manchester United as a Second Division outfit, and that underdog spirit still runs through the club. Arsenal's pedigree in this competition is unmatched, with 14 titles to their name, and Arteta himself has lifted the trophy as both captain and manager. Yet Southampton have recent FA Cup pedigree of their own at St. Mary's, having knocked out Arsenal 1-0 on this ground during the 2020-21 season. Do not count the Saints out of springing another surprise.
Southampton vs Arsenal Predictions FAQs
When is the Southampton vs Arsenal FA Cup game?
The FA Cup match between Southampton and Arsenal is scheduled to kick off on Saturday 4 April 2026 at 19:00 GMT.
What is the best prediction for Southampton vs Arsenal?
Our top prediction and betting tips for Southampton vs Arsenal are based on the latest team news, lineups, and form. Check the full article for our expert bet builder picks.
Where can I find the latest lineups for Southampton vs Arsenal?
Our coverage includes up-to-date squad news and projected lineups for both Southampton and Arsenal ahead of their FA Cup clash, giving you everything you need to build your bets.
What are the latest betting odds for Southampton vs Arsenal?
You can find the most up-to-date betting odds for the Southampton vs Arsenal match within our comprehensive match preview, including odds for our recommended bet builder tips.
