Arsenal is expected to line up (4-4-2) against Southampton, Timber out, first PL start for 24yo…

Arsenal lineup (4-4-2) for the upcoming match against Southampton is detailed below.

The 4-4-2 formation aims to strengthen both defense and attack.

Arsenal is set to pursue their second consecutive Premier League victory as they welcome Southampton to the Emirates Stadium this afternoon.

Currently positioned third in the league with 14 points, the Gunners trail leaders Liverpool by one point, who are facing Crystal Palace in the early kick-off.

Mikel Arteta’s team has the chance to ascend to the top of the table with a significant win, contingent on Liverpool’s performance against the Eagles at Selhurst Park.

In preparation for today’s match, the manager has indicated that Jurrien Timber, Ben White, and Takehiro Tomiyasu will undergo late fitness assessments.

Formation: 4-4-2

Projected Line-up:

David Raya has been outstanding in goal for Arsenal this season, aiming for his fourth clean sheet in the Premier League.

In defense, an enforced change may be necessary. Timber was substituted at halftime during the match against Paris Saint-Germain due to a minor muscular issue.

His absence from the Netherlands’ Nations League squad suggests he is unlikely to start today.

Riccardo Calafiori made his debut at right-back in the second half against PSG, and a similar scenario could unfold against Southampton.

White and Tomiyasu may not be included in the starting lineup, having recently returned from injuries.

Consequently, Jakub Kiwior, 24, is expected to make his first league start of the season at left-back, given Oleksandr Zinchenko’s injury.

William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are set to be the mainstays in the central defense.

In the pre-match press conference, Arteta lauded Thomas Partey, highlighting his significance to the team.

It is anticipated that the Ghanaian will team up with Declan Rice in midfield, although Mikel Merino may eventually challenge for a starting position.

On the wings, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are confirmed starters on the right and left sides, respectively.

To address the absence of Martin Odegaard due to injury, Arteta has opted for a forward pairing of Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz.

Both players are likely to retain their spots, with Trossard having provided a precise cross for Havertz’s header against Les Parisiens on Tuesday night.