Experienced Southampton defender to miss Arsenal fixture
By Aakash Desai
After the 3-1 defeat against Bournemouth, the next away fixture against Mikel Arteta's Arsenal has become an important match for Southampton. Currently, the Saints are nineteenth in the league table with only one point from six matches and more points in the next few games are required otherwise Russell Martin's side will have to face a relegation battle towards the end of the season. Thus, Southampton need to aim for a draw against Arsenal to get a massive boost heading into the international break.
Given the Saints have scored only three league goals, their best tactics for this match should be to display a reliable defensive performance to manage a clean-sheet. However, one of Southampton’s experienced defenders is already ruled out of this fixture. In the fourth league match against Manchester United, captain Jack Stephens received a red card as he brought Alejandro Garnacho down, who made an advancing run inside the Southampton half.
Experienced Southampton defender to miss Arsenal fixture
Stephens missed the three following fixtures including the recent Bournemouth defeat, and was expected to return for the Arsenal fixture. However, he has been given a further two match suspension for his inappropriate gestures to the match referee in the Manchester United match. Although the Saints have Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jan Bednarek as their first choice centre-backs, but the unavailablity of an experienced defender such as Stephens is a huge blow for Russell Martin's side.
Next. Bournemouth implement Andoni Iraola's strategy well in the 3-1 win over Southampton. Bournemouth implement Andoni Iraola's strategy well in the 3-1 win over Southampton. dark
Stephens has made 185 appearances for Southampton scoring six goals and six assists alongside playing a key role in helping the Saints return to the Premier League at the end of the last season. Therefore in place of Stephens, Nathan Wood is highly likely to be the third choice centre-back for Southampton in the next matchday squad as well. Armel Bella-Kotchap is an option as well, and can be handed his first Premier League start this season as manager Russell Martin is expected to make some necessary changes in the starting lineup against Arsenal.
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