Southampton FC vs Arsenal FC, English Premier League 2024-25, Today Match Prediction

Southampton FC vs Arsenal FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Southampton, anchored at the bottom of the Premier League table and already relegated, host Arsenal on the final day. The Saints have had a dismal season, with only two wins from 37 games, and the league's worst offense (25 goals scored) and defense (84 goals conceded).

Arsenal will finish the season trophyless despite being title contenders. Their lack of a clinical striker ultimately hindered their challenge, and they will likely settle for a third consecutive second-place finish. This match is a dead rubber for both teams, with Southampton playing for pride before their inevitable drop to the Championship.

Head to Head Record - In 49 Premier League clashes, Arsenal has won 26 times (17 at home, 9 away), while Southampton has secured 8 victories, all at home and 15 matches ended in a draw. In their last five meetings, Arsenal won two, drew two, and Southampton won one, with an average of 3.20 goals per game. Arsenal defeated Southampton 3-0 earlier in the season. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Southampton FC Preview

Southampton's form has been abysmal, with a 13-match winless league run, including ten losses and three draws. They recently suffered a 2-0 defeat to Everton, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities. Their home record is the worst in the league, earning only six points from 19 games and remaining winless in 13 at St. Mary's. This dismal season has already confirmed their relegation to the Championship.

Despite their struggles, Paul Onuachu has been Southampton's most prolific player, with four goals and one assist, and leads the team in average shots per game. However, even his efforts haven't stopped the team's downward spiral. Southampton have scored an average of 0.68 goals per match and conceded 2.27 goals per match. In 59% of their matches this season, over 2.5 goals have been scored, and in 54% of their games, both teams have scored.

Southampton's defense, featuring Nathan Wood, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, and Jack Stephens, faces a tough challenge against Arsenal's potent offense. Injuries are a concern for the Saints, with influential defender Jan Bednarek (knee) and Taylor Harwood-Bellis (ankle) ruled out. Kyle Walker-Peters (illness) and Albert Gronbaek (Achilles) are also doubtful. Southampton will hope Kamaldeen Sulemana can break his goal drought. Interim manager Simon Rusk may opt for the experienced Yukinari Sugawara in defense. 

Southampton Starting Lineup: Ramsdale (GK); Sugawara, Stephens, Wood; Bree, Smallbone, Downes, Welington; Dibling, Fernandes; Sulemana

Arsenal FC Preview

Arsenal faces a challenging trip to St. Mary's Stadium, where they've been winless in their last two visits. However, their dominant 3-1 home victory in the reverse fixture offers a source of inspiration. Arsenal recently snapped a five-game winless streak across all competitions with a 1-0 win over Newcastle, thanks to a Declan Rice goal. 

Despite a trophyless season and recent struggles, Arsenal boasts the league's second-best away record with 32 points from 18 games, and the best defense, conceding just 0.89 goals per match. Bukayo Saka has been instrumental for Arsenal, with six goals and ten assists in 24 Premier League appearances, leading the team in shots on target. 

Arsenal faces defensive woes against Southampton, with William Saliba (hamstring) and Jurrien Timber (ankle) out. Gabriel Jesus (ACL), Gabriel Magalhaes (hamstring), and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) are also sidelined. While Kai Havertz returns from injury, Mikel Merino is back from a ban, offering attacking options. 

Arsenal Starting Lineup: Raya; White, Calafiori, Kiwior, Tierney; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Nwaneri, Merino, Martinelli

SOUTHAMPTON FC vs ARSENAL FC
Winning Prediction

Despite Arsenal's recent inconsistencies and Southampton's home motivation, Arsenal's superior quality should prevail. The Gunners will be eager to secure second place and are expected to score multiple goals against the league's worst defense. While Southampton might show fight, Arsenal's attacking prowess will likely lead to a comfortable win with over 2.5 total goals.

Arsenal to Win (0-3)

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