Arsenal
Reuters

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Arsenal take on Southampton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday as the Premier League returns after a two week hiatus following the international fixtures.

Where to Watch

Kick-off is set for 3pm GMT. Live commentary will be available on the Arsenal Website and on BBC 5 Live. Highlights of the game will be on Match of the Day at 10:30pm GMT on BBC One.

Overview

Arsenal will face their fourth biggest test this season in as many games against a Southampton side who are currently third in the table. The Gunners come into the game on the back of a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United at Old Trafford and are now top of the table with a two point lead over Liverpool in second position. A win here will keep them at the top irrespective of other results and also go a long way in proving the critics that they are here for the long haul.

The Gunners ended their nine-game unbeaten run in the league against United and will be roaring to come back into the mix with a comprehensive win over Mauricio Pochettino's men. Arsene Wenger will welcome back Theo Walcott into the side, who was sorely missed over the last couple of months with an abdominal problem for which he had to undergo surgery. This is a must win fixture for the Gunners, given that they have Manchester City, Everton and Chelsea in close succession in December.

His has been a fairytale start to the season for the Saints, who find themselves in the third position, ahead of the likes of Chelsea, United and City. Their style of play has taken the league unawares and their tenacity on the ball is reaping rewards. However, Southampton have had a relatively easy start to their campaign, with only United and Liverpool among the big guns they have faced this season. This will be their first acid test this year, with Chelsea and City to follow in three games of each other in the next few fixtures.

What the Managers Say

Arsene Wenger: "I expected them to have a good season. But I didn't expect them to be as high up as they are. Pochettino has done extremely well because he came into a little bit of a stormy atmosphere. He has calmed things down quickly and convinced everybody that he is quality."

Mauricio Pochettino:"I am completely in awe of Arsène Wenger. The team we are playing against on Saturday is the team that are playing the best football in the league. I think Arsenal can win the league but I also think there are other teams that are going to be in the running to win it. It is going to be very competitive and will be a very exciting end to the season."

Form Guide

Arsenal

    • Last Five(all competitions, mot recent first): L W W L W
    • Last Result: Manchester United 1-0 Arsenal

Southampton

    • Last Five(all competitions, mot recent first): W L D W D
    • Last Result: Southampton 4-1 Hull City

Team News

Arsenal

    • Injured: Yaya Sanogo (back), Lukas Podolski (hamstring), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain(knee), Abou Diaby (knee).
    • Doubtful: N/A
    • Suspended: Mathieu Flamini

Probable Line-Up: Szczesny; Sanga, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs; Arteta, Wilshere; Özil, Ramsey, Cazorla; Giroud.

Southampton

    • Injured: Jack Cork (ankle), Guly Do Prado (knee).
    • Doubtful: N/A
    • Suspended: N/A

Probable Line-Up: Boruc; Clyne, Fonté, Lovren, Shaw; Wanyama, Schneiderlin; Ward-Prowse, Rodruguez, Lallana; Lambert.

Manchester United FC