A closer look at Arsenal v Southampton

After playing Arsenal this afternoon, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side will go up against Fulham, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

The match with Fulham at home is one they can’t afford to lose, but you get the sense that they will need to pick up another three points.

Due to Tottenham and Manchester United not looking beatable on current form, Arsenal looks the best opportunity to cause an upset.

Hasenhuttl’s Saints can also take confidence from the fact that they’ve already beaten them this season.

As well as that, Arsenal played Thursday night in the Europa League, which should give Saints an advantage.

Saints’ Premier League record v Arsenal?

P39 W7 D11 L21

Arsenal’s form in the Premier League this season:

P26 W15 D5 L6

Who is the opposition’s key player this season?

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during Arsenal's game with Saints in December

It has to be Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The Gabonese international has been on fire in his first full season at the club, scoring 15 goals in the Premier League.

Given all the noise surrounding Arsenal, regarding the Unai Emery and Mesut Ozil situation, Aybameyang’s impact can often go under the radar.

The fact Saints have only kept one clean sheet under Hasenuhttll will leave the Gunners’ ace licking his lips at the prospect of adding to his goal tally.

A closer look at the Arsenal manager:

Arsenal boss Unai Emery

Emery was given the difficult task of replacing Arsene Wenger in the dugout at Arsenal.

However, the Spaniard seemed to make the transition look easy when he guided the north London side to a 21-game unbeaten streak.

But that impressive run came to an end when Hasenhuttl’s Saints beat them 3-2 at St Mary’s last December.

Since then, Arsenal have been inconsistent to say the least and the Emery/Ozil situation has become the story of their season.

Emery is reluctant to play their highest paid player, often citing ‘tactical reason’ or an ‘injury’ for his reasoning.

This shows that the Arsenal boss won’t be dictated to by players and his managerial record will earn him respect within the dressing room.

He made a name for himself during his spell in charge of Spanish side Sevilla, where he won three Europa League titles in a row.

Emery’s success in La Liga earned him a move to French giants Paris Saint Germain. The 47-year-old then managed a side that included Neymar, Edinson Cavani, Angel Di Maria, Thiago Silva and Kylian Mbappe.