Can Arsenal keep pace with the top four?
While Ralph Hasenhüttl was seemingly steadying the ship at Southampton and guiding them to safety, Cardiff’s mini-revival has seen them sleepwalk into the relegation zone, and they’ll be hard-pressed to change that with Arsenal their next opponents.
Of course, Southampton did end Arsenal’s 22-match unbeaten run at St. Mary’s back in December, but this Gunners side are a totally different beast at The Emirates. Unai Emery’s men are unbeaten at home since the opening day – winning 10 of their last 12 – and Southampton, though unbeaten in four on the road, are unlikely to handle Arsenal’s firepower.
While I do think Arsenal will win (fairly narrowly), my first tip is actually an anytime goalscorer: Alexandre Lacazette.
The Frenchman has netted in Arsenal’s last three home games, and looks a good bet to do so again against a Saints side with one clean sheet in 16.
Next, I’m backing the second half to see more goals than the first.
75% of Arsenal’s goals at the Emirates have come in the second period, while Southampton have scored 54% of their total league goals in the second half.
Like most bottom half clubs, Southampton will aim to frustrate Arsenal for as long as possible – a tactic which will hopefully see this tip land nicely.
For a cheeky longshot, I’m backing Arsenal to win 2-1, priced at 15/2.
Both teams have scored in nine of Southampton’s last 10 matches, and with Arsenal keeping just two clean sheets in their last nine at The Emirates, this one is a huge possibility.
Furthermore, since their defeat to City on the opening day of the season, just three sides have prevented Arsenal from scoring twice or more at home, so this is a longshot well worth consideration.
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