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The teamsheets have been announced for our clash with Southampton, and Arsene Wenger has named an unchanged side from the team that beat Manchester City 2-1.
‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’, and this Arsenal side definitely ain’t broke.
Petr Cech remains steadfast at the back, instilling confidence throughout the team and into his back four in particular. He’s protected by Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Hector Bellerin, and Nacho Monreal, a defence that has provided us with a firm foundation for our attacking players to build from.
Mathieu Flamini, Aaron Ramsey, and Mesut Özil occupy the midfield, with injuries rather forcing Wenger’s hand. The German playmaker has been in phenomenal form, but he could do with a few other players getting on his level. Ramsey has certainly looked happier in his favoured central role, but his confidence in front of goal isn’t quite there. Flamini has been doing a decent job in Francis Coquelin’s absence, but we need reinforcements come January.
Joel Campbell and Theo Walcott continue their effective partnership on the wings, swapping positions freely in attack but providing excellent cover defensively.
Olivier Giroud leads the line once again, and this season’s top scorer at Arsenal will be looking to continue in the fine vein of form he’s been showing recently.
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The bench has a few youngsters on it, with everyone still itching to see Jeff Reine-Adelaide get a senior debut off the bench.
Here is the official teamsheet for #SFCvAFC pic.twitter.com/2JZXyUz1tu
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) December 26, 2015
Southampton have struggled for form recently, but aren’t to be underestimated. They’ve got quality players in their side, and we all remember the New Year’s Day debacle last season.
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Hopefully the motivation of top spot will be enough to get our boys the win, with Leicester City dropping points against Liverpool earlier this Saturday.
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