{"id":1886,"date":"2026-04-03T07:21:47","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T07:21:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/?p=1886"},"modified":"2026-04-03T07:21:47","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T07:21:47","slug":"predicted-xi-of-arsenal-against-southampton-in-fa-cup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/?p=1886","title":{"rendered":"Predicted XI of Arsenal against Southampton in FA Cup"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Arsenal go to St Mary\u2019s on April 4, 2026, sitting comfortably at the top of the Premier League<\/a> with 70 points. This FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton is a tricky one; the Saints are currently sixth in the Championship and haven\u2019t lost a game since mid-January under Tonda Eckert. Even with a massive Champions League clash against Sporting CP just around the corner, Mikel Arteta knows he can\u2019t underestimate a side with this kind of momentum, especially with a trip to Wembley on the line.<\/p>\n

Predicted XI of Arsenal against Southampton<\/h2>\n

Expect heavy rotation in the starting eleven. Kepa Arrizabalaga should get the nod in goal, stepping in for David Raya as he usually does for cup ties. Since his \u00a35m move from Chelsea last summer, Kepa has proven to be a solid backup with plenty of top-level experience.<\/p>\n

In front of him, Ben White will likely hold down the right flank, bringing his usual calm and reliability to the backline. With some regular starters needing a rest, Salmon and Mosquera are expected to pair up in central defence.<\/p>\n

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Nine contenders for the prize \ud83c\udfc5<\/p>\n

Time to vote for your March @Emirates<\/a> Goal of the Month, Gooners \ud83d\udc47<\/p>\n

\u2014 Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 2, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

It\u2019s a big chance for Salmon to show he belongs in the rotation, while Mosquera\u2019s physical presence will be vital against a Southampton attack that will be up for the fight at home. Riccardo Calafiori rounds out the defence at left-back, likely tucking into midfield as he does so well to help Arsenal keep the ball.<\/p>\n

In the middle of the park, Kai Havertz looks set to drop into a deeper role. His ability to time his runs into the box from midfield adds an extra dimension to the attack. He\u2019ll be joined by Christian Norgaard, the \u00a315m summer signing from Brentford, who does the dirty work, winning headers and breaking up play, without needing the spotlight. Youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly completes the trio, bringing the kind of energy and ball-carrying ability that has made him a standout academy graduate in Arteta\u2019s system.<\/p>\n

Arsenal have secured one summer transfer and Arteta is determined to add \u00a345m star<\/p>\n

Up front, Viktor Gyokeres should lead the line. He\u2019s coming off a massive international break with Sweden, where he bagged a hat-trick against Ukraine and the winner against Poland. That kind of form is exactly what he needs after a bit of a slow start following his \u20ac63.5 million move. He\u2019ll be flanked by Dowman on the right, who provides a direct threat out wide, and Gabriel Jesus on the left. Jesus might be starting wide, but his relentless pressing and work rate remain the engine of how Arsenal defend from the front.<\/p>\n

Arsenal Predicted XI:<\/strong> Kepa; White, Salmon, Mosquera, Calafiori; Havertz, Norgaard, Lewis-Skelly; Dowman, Gyokeres, Jesus <\/p>\n

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