Arsenal Travel to Southampton in FA Cup Quarter-Final with Point to Prove

Arsenal FC travel to the south coast to face Southampton FC in the FA Cup quarter-finals, with a point to prove following their loss in the Carabao Cup final, but Southampton are in outstanding form.

Arsenal’s 2–0 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final ended their hopes of a quadruple, but they still have a lot to play for with the Champions League, the Premier League and the FA Cup. This fixture provides the Gunners an opportunity to bounce back and continue their pursuit of a trophy this season.

Mikel Arteta’s side beat Mansfield Town 2–1 in a narrow victory in the fifth round, having rotated their squad. They will be hoping for a more comfortable and dominant performance against Southampton.

However, the Saints are in impressive form, unbeaten in 14 games in all competitions. They sit sixth in the Championship and are firmly in the race for a play-off position. Tonda Eckert’s side beat Premier League opposition Fulham in the fifth round of the FA Cup, showcasing that this won’t be an easy game.

Southampton have plenty of in-form players at the moment, but one of their standout performers this season has been attacking midfielder Finn Azaz. He has scored ten goals and produced six assists, and will be one to watch.

Arsenal have the historical advantage in this fixture, with Southampton having only won three of the last seventeen meetings between the two teams. However, the last time they met in the FA Cup, Southampton recorded a 1–0 win at St Mary’s in the fourth round in January 2021.

With a Champions League quarter-final to follow for Arsenal against Sporting CP on Tuesday night, Arteta may rest some players for this FA Cup tie.

Eleven Arsenal players were withdrawn from international duty due to knocks or precautionary measures. The list includes William Saliba, Gabriel, Eberechi Eze, Martin Ødegaard, Jurrien Timber, Leandro Trossard, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Martin Zubimendi and Piero Hincapié. It is possible only a few of these players will be available for selection against Southampton.

For Southampton, Leo Scienza is a doubt for this match, while Ross Stewart is available after returning in their last game before the break. Welington and Jay Robinson have both returned to training but remain doubts for selection.

It will be a challenging test for the Gunners, who remain in pursuit of a treble this season and will need to be clinical.

Southampton, meanwhile, will aim to produce another surprise result against Premier League opposition and continue their impressive form across all competitions.