Key Battles (Arsenal vs. Southampton): Can Koscielny Nullify Austin?

Liverpool inflicted their last league defeat with a 1-0 win at Anfield on Boxing Day, but Leicester have maintained their form since and sit three points clear of Manchester City and Arsenal after 23 matches.

“He plays many games, if you look at the number of games he has played since the start of the season”. We were a bit unlucky with three goals on the decisions of the referee as well.

Oxlade-Chamberlain started for Arsenal in their fourth-round FA Cup victory over Burnley on Saturday, but the 22-year-old, whose only goal this season came in the Community Shield victory against Chelsea in August, turned in a below-par display and attracted criticism from the Emirates Stadium crowd.

Koeman also highlighted the risk of Alexis Sanchez who has recently returned from injury for Arsenal.

The Egyptian has yet to feature in the Premier League and Wenger told Arsenal’s official website: “I think he has to adapt to the power side of the game”.

The last time these two sides face each other, Arsenal were cruising at the top of the table, but a 4-0 defeat at the St. Mary’s Stadium proved to be a harsh reality check for the Gunners and they will be looking to avenge that humiliation as Southampton travel to the Emirates Stadium in London to lock horns with the Gunners once again. “Of course, you are upset, but I felt on the day we did not have the mental energy”, Le Prof said.

“They know it is hard to beat Southampton and we have a good record against the big teams and we want to keep that”.

Mesut Ozil is certain to get a recall but it will be interesting to see who Arsene Wenger goes with on the right wing. Huge Morale Booster It’s going to be a huge morale booster for the Gunners as a win against the Saints would remove the doubts haunting the players after their first meeting this season. The loss to Southampton back then stopped Arsenal in their tracks as doubts surrounding their Premier League contention arose from all corners – if anything the massive loss bred disbelief amongst the fans as well as the players.

Southampton FC striker Charlie Austin has lined up against Arsenal twice in the Premier League, for former club QPR, and scored on both occasions.

– No side allowed their opponents more shots on target in January than Arsenal.