Arsenal team news: Expected 4-2-3-1 vs Southampton as Mikel Arteta makes six changes

Arsenal: Arteta explains reasons behind Aubameyang’s absence

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is set to bring back his big guns for the trip to Southampton tonight. Arsenal are unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches and have won their last three away from home. Express Sport has picked the Gunners XI we expect to see line up at St Mary’s.

Goalkeeper – Leno

Bernd Leno now has more experienced competition for the No 1 spot following the arrival of Mat Ryan.

Ryan joined on loan from Brighton last month and stated his desire to compete for the first-team jersey.

However, Arteta will stick with Leno for the time being following four straight clean sheets in the Premier League.

Only Ederson and Emiliano Martinez have kept more top-flight clean sheets this season than the German.

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Defence – Bellerin, Holding, Luiz, Tierney

Kieran Tierney’s absence was huge for Saturday’s cup tie but is set to return to the side tonight.

Rob Holding will keep his place in the side, with Arteta having to choose between Gabriel and David Luiz for the other centre-back slot.

Gabriel looked shaky at times at the weekend so Luiz could get the nod.

Meanwhile, Cedric Soares should play at right-back after starring in the 3-0 win over Newcastle last Monday.

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Midfield – Partey, Xhaka; Smith Rowe

Thomas Partey got 60 minutes against Newcastle and came on for the final half an hour on Saturday, so should start tonight.

Granit Xhaka should keep his place alongside him, with Mohamed Elneny dropping to the bench.

Emile Smith Rowe was given a rest on Saturday but will look to continue his emergence in the No 10 role.

Smith Rowe will know Martin Odegaard is on his way from Real Madrid, so will have to continue to perform to keep his place.

Attack – Saka, Lacazette, Martinelli

It is currently unknown whether Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be available for Arsenal due to a personal matter.

The captain was not in training pictures on Monday, so Gabriel Martinelli could take his place on the left of the attack.

Alexandre Lacazette should walk straight back into the central striker’s role following the underwhelming performance from Eddie Nketiah on Saturday.

And the ever-impressive Bukayo Saka will take up his position on the right.

Arsenal expected XI vs Southampton in full: Leno; Cedric, Holding, Luiz, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Smith Rowe, Martinelli; Lacazette.

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