Arsenal vs Southampton betting preview

Arsenal were back to their fluid best against Liverpool last time out with new signings Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla on the score sheet in a 2 – 0 win, Arsene Wenger is no doubt bemoaning the timing of the international break as it seemed the Gunners had begun to find their killer instinct again after two successive goalless draws. Wenger would have preferred to keep the momentum going after the win at Anfield, as he knows only too well his teams tendency to struggle to break down some of the weaker teams at the Emirates, a fact illustrated by Arsenal failing to win any of their last four home matches. The introduction of Arsenal legend Steve Bold as defence coach seems to have given the side a much stronger, reliable base and he will be delighted that they have managed to keep a clean sheet in each of the first three games. Get a free bet for this match here.

Although Arsenal were clearly the better side at Anfield, had Liverpool been able to capitalise on some early chances the result could have been different and it would be grossly premature to think this Arsenal side is totally reformed and ready to sustain a title challenge. Arsenal are overwhelming favourites to triumph against the newly promoted side, best priced at 1.36 for the win with Betfred, often the favourites tag weighs heavy on the Gunners and without an early goal, the fans may grow impatient – if Arsenal are to win on Saturday they will have to show the metal strength and clinical finishing that has so often deserted them at home.

Southampton

Nigel Adkins side travel up to London with nothing to show for their first three fixtures back in the top flight; heroic yet ultimately futile displays against the two Manchester clubs and a poor showing in a 2 – 0 defeat at home to Wigan Athletic has left the Saints rooted to the bottom of the Premier League. Southampton should take huge positives from their meetings with the Manchester giants but Adkins will be more than aware that it is vital they begin to get points on the board quickly, worrying comparisons could begin to be drawn to Ian Holloway’s Blackpool who won many plaudits for their fearless attacking football but their naivety and failure to win enough matches against the teams in and around them ultimately led to their relegation after just one season in 2011 and Southampton must take heed of this lesson sooner rather than later.

Unlike Arsenal , the international break has come at a good time for Southampton, Adkins has had time to analyse the positives from the first three matches , of which there were many, and to begin to work on making Southampton harder to beat. Adam Lallana will be buoyed by his call up to the England squad for the World Cup Qualifier against Ukraine and Southampton will be the benefactors of the extra confidence this  will have given him. Saturday could also give Saints fans their first chance to see record signing Gastón Ramírez, the attacking midfielder made the surprise move to the south coast after a summer of speculation in which he was heavily linked with Liverpool, the Uruguayan will certainly excite fans with his wide array of passing and powerful left foot but as many of us saw in the recent Olympics Ramírez can find it difficult to impose himself on high tempo games and may struggle to make the switch from the historically slower paced Seria A to the Premier League.

Selected Bets

0 – 0 at halftime , 3.0 with Coral

Anytime assist for Santi Cazorla , 3.3 with Boylesports

 Southampton vs Arsenal free bets

Keep up to date with all the latest football betting tips in our free tips section of the site. Or why not enjoy a free bet on this match with Blue Square who are offering new customers a £25 free bet.

*Click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches