The strongest Southampton lineup to take some points against Arsenal
- Southampton preparing for their upcoming away fixture against Arsenal.
- Here is the strongest Southampton lineup to take some points from this Arsenal match.
By Aakash Desai
Midfield
Captain Flynn Downes is again expected to start in his preferred box-to-box midfield role following his decent performances against Ipswich Town and Bournemouth. Recently, Downes admitted collective responsibility for Southampton's unacceptable first half performance against Bournemouth. The former West Ham midfielder possesses great passing and leadership abilities and will want to put up another impressive display against Mikel Arteta's side.
Adam Lallana will return to the starting lineup against Arsenal after coming as a second half substitute in the Bournemouth defeat. Since returning to Southampton on a free transfer, Lallana has displayed his class and composure from the midfield and his playmaking as an all-round midfielder allows Southampton to advance inside the final third.
In the previous match, Martin recognised his mistake to not start Lallana and immediately brought the 36-year-old to provide experience and quality in the Saints midfield. Lallana has played several matches against Arsenal and thus, his experience will be invaluable for Russell Martin's side, who want to take some points from this away match.
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Holding the base of the midfield in a defensive midfielder role behind Downes and Lallana, Joe Aribo should return to the starting lineup after a decent second half performance against Bournemouth. Coming as a second half substitute, Aribo displayed his athleticism and passing ability to spark some momentum into the attack while advancing in the Bournemouth half. Moreover, Aribo is a natural ball winner and will help Southampton in winning the ball possession and mark key players such as Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice in the midfield.