Mark Hughes believes Saints can exploit Arsenal’s defensive frailties.

After the heavy loss at West Ham, Saints could be forgiven for having sleepless nights ahead of today's game against the Gunners, who have scored seven goals in their last two matches.

The most recent of those was the 4-1 Europa League win over CSKA Moscow on Thursday night, where Arsene Wenger’s side were in great form going forward, but at times vulnerable at the back.

That is something Saints are looking to make the most of.

Hughes said: “From their point of view they will be delighted with the result and they were excellent going forward.

“Given that they have very attack minded players sometimes that leaves them exposed so you can exploit that.

“The opposition did have good opportunities and didn’t make the most of them.

“If we are able, which I feel we are capable of, to create similar opportunities I would expect us to put them away.

“That’s encouraging from our point of view because we have seen that they are not rock solid.

“They are a good side clearly, and you have to stay in the game and can’t allow them good opportunities in and around your box because they’ve got the talent to unlock you.

“We have good talent going the other way so that will test them.”

There is a school of thought that Arsenal could make changes ahead of the return trip to Moscow next week with the Europa League their last realistic shot of qualifying for next year’s Champions League.

However, Hughes insisted: “They are playing for a top six side and there is a demand on players that play at that level that they have to perform at a certain level and it’s unacceptable if they fall short of that.

“The expectation is that we will have a really difficult game but you wouldn’t expect anything less.”

Hughes will make a late decision on the fitness of Mario Lemina who returned to training on Friday following a virus. Sam McQueen will definitely miss out.

The big question is whether Hughes will stick with a 4-4-2 formation or change things up following the West Ham loss.

“I am not rigid in terms of structure in terms of formations. I am flexible. I have played 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3, three at the back or five at the back, I am not rigid in terms of one way of playing and that’s the only way I will go,” said Hughes.

“I think you need flexibility in terms of tactics not only prior to games but also giving your group a structure and a plan for the game but to be flexible during games as well.

“It’s about having a plan b but sometimes you need a plan c as well if that’s what’s required.”