And we’re back!
The final international break of the season is behind us, and that means the run-in is kicking on. Arsenal return to action as they look to head back to Wembley for a spot in the FA Cup semifinals as they face off against Southampton on Saturday.
It’s been said ad nauseam that the break came at the best possible time for the Gunners. The Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City just before the break showed us an Arsenal side that was long overdue a rest. Several pivotal players were
out, and those that were available looked positively gassed in their 0-2 loss to the Cityzens.
Two weeks have come and gone since then, which is plenty of time for the players to put that poor display out of mind. Despite the missed opportunity, there is still plenty left to play for, starting with this weekend.
The Premier League title has long since been the primary focus, but Mikel Arteta and the players have emphasized their intentions this season to win everything they possibly can. The FA Cup may feel surplus to demands at the moment, but a win on Saturday puts them two wins away from a potential 15th cup title. More importantly, it gives them a major confidence boost before heading off to Portugal for a Champions League quarterfinal tie.
Following the break, can they regroup and get back to winning ways with two months left?
Here are three talking points ahead of Saturday’s match:
Know the Enemy
Southampton enter the FA Cup quarterfinals after having defeated Fulham 0-1 in the round of 16.
After being relegated at the end of the last Premier League season, the Saints have made a late push for a playoff spot. Sitting 6th in the Championship, they have been on a tear in recent matches. Since their 2-1 loss to Hull City in the middle of January, they have yet to lose a match, putting their streak without a loss at 14 consecutive matches (11 wins, 3 draws).
It has been an impressive run, no doubt. It has been made all the more impressive considering the relative inexperience of their manager, 33 year old Tonda Eckert. After Will Still was fired in November, Eckert, who had been managing the Southampton U21 side, was called up as interim manager for his first ever first-team managerial position.
Since taking over, he’s helped reignite the Saints as they sit 6th in the Championship on 63 points with 7 matches left to play, which puts them in the playoffs as things stand. Eckert earned the February EFL Championship Manager of the month after Soton took 13 points from a possible 15. They are in solid form ahead of a visit from the Gunners, who are looking to head back to Wembley after their last trip didn’t turn out so well.
Their style under Eckert has seen them play more aggressive, looking to pin opposition deep in their own half. Goal scoring has improved quite dramatically, having scored the third most goals in the Championship so far. Like Arsenal, they spread the goals around, with 15 players having scored at least one goal this season, with Irish midfielder Finn Azaz leading the squad with 10 in the Championship. Defensively, they have become fairly solid in their current run, giving up no more than one goal per match in their last 10 played.
What may work in Arsenal’s favor is the Saints’ crucial match away to Wrexham on Tuesday. With Wrexham sitting just outside a playoff spot in 7th, that match will certainly be in the back of their minds as promotion is a massive boon for a Championship side. Will that affect their selection or approach to the match? Who knows. But it’s certainly a factor heading into a big match week for both clubs.
Injuries & Suspensions
Where to begin…
Arsenal famously (or notoriously, depending on who you ask) had 10 players “withdraw” from international duty over the break. While most felt particularly precautionary, a few have been a minor cause for alarm. Noni Madueke spotted wearing a leg brace after a collision during the Uruguay match, while Piero Hincapie was subbed off with what looked like a thigh issue, though it is believed to only be a cramp.
OUT: Mikel Merino (f00t), Eberechi Eze (calf), Noni Madueke (leg)
DOUBT: Martin Zubimendi (knee), Martin Ødegaard (knee), Piero Hincapie (thigh), Jurrien Timber (knock), William Saliba (ankle), Leandro Trossard (hip), Gabriel Magalhaes (knee)
Predicted Lineup
Attack: Jesus, Havertz, Martinelli
With Saturday’s tilt possibly the last time Arteta will have to rotate players, I expect the attack to reflect that where possible. Gabriel Jesus has been used sparingly in recent matchweeks. His brief cameo at the end of Carabao Cup final was decent, as he looked spritely as Arsenal fruitlessly fought for a late comeback. He has featured at left wing Before and may provide a spark with fresh legs. Centrally, Kai Havertz could certainly use this as a chance to continue his return to fitness after two appearances for Germany over the break. Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli is the likeliest candidate to play on the right in place of a knackered Bukayo Saka. Martinelli scored a goal for Brazil over the break and also could use the minutes and confidence ahead of the run-in.
Midfield: Rice, Nørgaard, Ødegaard
Could Martin Ødegaard finally return to first team action? His absence since injuring his knee against Brentford has been less impacting after Eberechi Eze began to round into form, but with Eze out for at least the next two weeks with a calf injury, Ødegaard’s return could not be more necessary. Declan Rice got a reprieve over the break after he was sent home by Thomas Tuchel with a knock, so a start isn’t outside the realm of possibility. Martin Zubimendi has been running on fumes and was sent home from international duty after only featuring briefly for Spain. Christian Nørgaard hasn’t gotten much match time but could be a prime candidate to man the 6 ahead of next week’s Champions League tie.
Defense: Lewis-Skelly, Gabriel, Mosquera, White
Arsenal’s left back room has depth, and thank goodness for that. After Piero Hincapie came off with a hamstring injury and Riccardo Calafiori played 120 minutes this week, Myles Lewis-Skelly is a smart choice. He had a very good break with the England U21s and can build on that with a start. Though he was a scratch for Brazil this break, Gabriel is a sure-footed anchor for the back line that makes everyone around him better. Cristhian Mosquera got his first Spain first-team call up and played very well in his first start, so a start at right centerback in lieu of a recovering William Saliba is fair and deserved. Ben White returned to the England squad after a 4 year self-imposed hiatus, and should be primed for a start on Saturday.
Keeper: Kepa
Regardless of the frustrating final two weeks ago, Kepa gets the nod. Dropping him for a quarterfinal match against a Championship side would be a huge blow to a player who could use a bounce back performance.
The long and grueling season has taken its toll, but the light at the end of the tunnel is just beyond the horizon. With up to 15 matches left to play, the job is far from done, but each passing victory is another step toward this side potentially etching their names in the history books after years of futility. They have shown over and over this season that they are capable of greatness, no matter what the narrative machine might say. Refreshed and rested, here’s hoping they pick up where they left off and keep charging toward greatness.
WHO: Arsenal at Southampton
WHAT: FA Cup quarterfinal
WHEN: Saturday, April 4th, 3:00pm EST/12:00pm PST/8:00pm GMT
WHERE: St. Mary’s Stadium, Southampton
HOW TO WATCH: Streaming on the ESPN+ app
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