Predicted lineup Southampton v Arsenal: Özil looking to guide Gunners top of the table for New Year

We’re on a high after our massive win against Manchester City last Monday, and will be looking to carry that confidence into our clash with Southampton on Boxing Day. With tough fixtures coming up for Leicester, this could be our chance to move top of the table. We’ve got a few key players back from injury, we’re on an excellent run, and we’re more than capable of taking all three points from a struggling Saints side.

Here’s how we expect Arsenal to line up for our trip to St Mary’s:

GK) Petr Cech

The Czech’s importance can’t be understated, not only because of the quality he possesses, but due to the stability he provides our defence.

RB) Hector Bellerin

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With practically no competition, Bellerin has to be starting on the right. Mathieu Debuchy just isn’t up to it anymore, and should be nowhere near the starting XI.

LB) Nacho Monreal

Kieran Gibbs showed during his cameo performance against Manchester City that he can’t hold a candle to Monreal. We were a far worse side when Joel Campbell was replaced by the left-back, and Monreal therefore shouldn’t fear being displaced.

CB) Per Mertesacker

A solid performance from the German giant against City should see him keep his spot, and Gabriel Paulista is unfortunately still being left out in the cold.

CB) Laurent Koscielny

The Frenchman is unquestionably up there with the best centre-backs in the world at the moment, and Arsene Wenger can’t possibly be thinking about dropping him.

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