Arsenal vs Southampton preview: Boxing Day memories of Shane Long should see bumbling Per Mertesacker left out

FANS' VIEW

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Arsenal Fan - Lewis Potton

The calamitous 4-0 defeat to Southampton over Christmas was arguably our worst performance of the season thus far. Take away Cuco Martina's wonder strike and there were a catalogue of individual defensive errors, and a serious lack of energy throughout the side.

In order to stand any chance at gaining revenge on Koeman's Saints, Arsenal will need to play with more aggression and intent, especially without the ball.

In Shane Long Southampton have a striker capable of running a defence ragged, and his pace alone would make me consider leaving out the bumbling Mertesacker. Midfield playmakers Mane and Tadic are also key for the away side, so I'd like to see Coquelin or Elneny start for Arsenal to sure up the middle of the park.

With Sanchez back on form we have more than enough to beat the south coast club, and I predict a 2-0 win for the Gunners.

Southampton - Dane Emery

After a mid-season slump, we're back into the top half after 3 wins and 3 clean sheets in a row. Fraser Forster's return really looks to have given the side confidence defensively and the 1-0 win at Old Trafford recently showed the Saints are back in form.

Charlie Austin enjoyed the perfect debut in that game, coming off the bench to score a late winner and the former QPR star might earn a start at the Emirates tonight. Koeman may opt to start Austin alongside Shane Long up front in a 5-3-2, formation with Cedric and Matt Targett continuing to operate in wing back roles.

Arsenal will be a much tougher test than Manchester United, as Wenger's side have serious title credentials, but if the Saints' defensive midfielders shut out Mesut Ozil, just as they did in the 4-0 win at St Mary's, then they could surprise a few people again tonight. I'm going to be optimistic and predict a shock 2-1 win for the Saints.

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