Southampton face Arsenal on Saturday in the fourth round of the FA Cup, and HITC pundits give their predictions on the likely outcome.
Southampton 1-0 Arsenal
The Gunners are heading to Southampton at just the wrong time, with the Saints knocking Liverpool out of the FA Cup in midweek. Key to that was their defensive efforts, keeping a clean sheet even without Virgil van Dijk. Look for them to use the same blueprint and end Arsenal’s cup run early.
Southampton manager Claude Puel
Southampton 0-2 Arsenal
The Saints got the better of Arsene Wenger’s side during their march to the EFL Cup final but, after a gruelling midweek clash with Liverpool, Claude Puel is likely to rotate his selection. And that should give hope to an Arsenal side who have added grit to their guile of late.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
Southampton 1-2 Arsenal
Southampton have reached the final of the League Cup, and trying to battle on all three fronts could prove detrimental. There would be no shame in an early exit at home to Arsenal, which is why I’m predicting a narrow win for the Gunners.
Southampton 2-1 Arsenal
Southampton should maintain their good form in the cup competitions to overcome an Arsenal side expected to make plenty of changes if recent history is any indication.
Southampton 1-1 Arsenal
A tough one to call, Southampton have had their moments against Arsenal in recent years, and could edge it if they perform to the level they displayed against Liverpool in the League Cup semi-finals. But I’ve got a sneaking suspicion Arsenal will avoid defeat down on the south coast – it will be intriguing to see what side Arsene Wenger puts out.
Arsenal players celebrate
Southampton 2-1 Arsenal
Southampton might not need another cup run but they’ve been decent against Arsenal in recent years and I fancy them to get one either way.
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