Arsenal are preparing to welcome Southampton to the Emirates Stadium in the final game before the International break, in what they hope will be a straightforward fixture.
Southampton are currently 19th in the Premier League, having lost five of their opening six matches, with manager Russell Martin already under huge pressure.
Arsenal have had a tough run of fixtures, but remain unbeaten despite facing Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain in recent weeks, with several key injuries within the squad.
The international break should allow some players to return, whilst those who are featured in every game could be given a rest. However, Mikel Arteta’s side hopes to seal three points against Southampton before this break.
Arsenal icon Paul Merson has now claimed that whilst Southampton is set to be an easier fixture, Arteta cannot take any risks with his team selection.
Paul Merson claims Arsenal cannot rotate against Southampton
Merson has now told Sportskeeda that despite expecting a comfortable victory against Southampton, Arteta must select a full-strength team, and pointed out the scare Arsenal suffered against Leicester City last week.
“Arsenal were cruising against Leicester but ended up conceding twice in that game before snatching a late win. The fact that they eventually managed to get all three points in that game is commendable. So I’m backing Arsenal to secure a comfortable win – four goals to nothing,” he predicted.
“Mikel Arteta has to go full strength with his line-up for this fixture. When you’re in a title race with likes of Manchester City and Liverpool, you cannot afford to drop anyone from your best line-up.”
Should Arsenal rotate against Southampton?
Arsenal do have several players vying for first-team minutes including Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling, and this could be an opportunity to rest Bukayo Saka.
Mikel Merino and Ethan Nwaneri will also be pushing for their first Premier League starts of the campaign, with the former returning from injury to make his debut against PSG.
Jurrien Timber was withdrawn at half-time against PSG, but with Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu also likely to be absent, the hope is that the Dutchman can play against the Saints.
If there are no injury issues, Arteta could select a full-strength side in order to secure a convincing win, given the International break coming up.
If there was a midweek fixture to follow the Southampton game, there would be a strong case to rotate, but for now there is little need to disrupt the team whilst they are performing well.
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