Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Southampton vs Arsenal: What time does it start, what TV channel is it on, where can I watch it?

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at St Mary's

In association with

Wednesday 10 May 2017 15:06 BST

Arsenal face Southampton at St Mary's on Wednesday evening (Getty)

Arsenal head to St Mary’s in midweek on the back of a comfortable victory over Manchester United on Sunday afternoon. Their hosts did Arsene Wenger’s side a favour in the same round of fixtures, by holding Liverpool, who Arsenal are desperately trying to peg back in the race for the top four, to a goalless draw at Anfield.

An unusual atmosphere surrounded the match against United at Emirates, with the home team knowing their destiny lies in the hands of the teams above them, while Mourinho had already conceded that the Europa League was his side’s most realistic route into the Champions League, leading him to rest some players. The United boss has since conceded that their top four hopes are over and, although Arsenal have given themselves the slightest glimmer of hope, their chances are bleak.

If the Gunners are to avoid dropping out of the Champions League for the first time in Arsene Wenger’s 21 year managerial reign, every single game is an absolute must win, which continues on the South coast against Southampton. The main motivation for Claude Puel, whose team are in no danger of going down or finishing in the European places, will be to prove to the Saints hierarchy that he is the man to take the club forward.

Arsenal vs Manchester United player ratings

Show all 22

1/22Arsenal vs Manchester United player ratings

Arsenal vs Manchester United player ratings

PETR CECH: 6 out of 10

One of his quietest games in an Arsenal shirt, but when called upon he was up to the challenge. Never was this more the case than when he blocked a Martial strike from close range with his feet.

2015 Getty Images

Arsenal vs Manchester United player ratings

HECTOR BELLERIN: 7 out of 10

Relished the opportunity to pit himself against an out of position Young, powering forward at every opportunity to add another body to the attacking thrust.

2015 Getty Images

Arsenal vs Manchester United player ratings

PER MERTESACKER: 6 out of 10

Bar more than one brain freeze this was a very impressive display from the captain, who calmly moved the ball forward. He dealt well with crosses into the area but at times was guilty of overconfident dawdling in his own half.

2015 Getty Images

Arsenal vs Manchester United player ratings

GABRIEL: 7 out of 10

Gabriel provided further evidence that Wenger has three very capable defenders in his squad, and three who compliment each other well. This was a tough-tackling display from the Brazilian, never giving Martial or Rooney a moment to settle.

2015 Getty Images

Arsenal vs Manchester United player ratings

NACHO MONREAL: 7 out of 10

As reliable a performance as any on the Arsenal pitch, he won’t get the plaudits but not once did Monreal put a foot wrong. Or indeed a head as he dealt well with United’s aerial barrages. That allowed Alexis to unleash his gung-ho best with utter confidence.

Arsenal vs Manchester United player ratings

SANTI CAZORLA: 7 out of 10

A brilliant opening 45 minutes saw him at the heart of Arsenal’s powerful running, finding his teammates with space ahead of them and tackling excellently. His two-footedness was vital in crafting Arsenal’s opportunities; United’s defenders had no idea where the ball was heading next.

2015 Getty Images

Arsenal vs Manchester United player ratings

FRANCIS COQUELIN: 8 out of 10

Blew away any doubts of lingering injuries with an imposing display that saw him grab the midfield warzone and turn it into a rout. He slid in often, but he was always in control and invariably knew what he was doing. After his performances against City and United last season this is further proof he is a big game player.

2015 Getty Images

Arsenal vs Manchester United player ratings

AARON RAMSEY: 7 out of 10

That this was his best performance this season says more for his slow start, but as he came further infield in deep positions he seemed far more capable. He still needs to rediscover his composure in front of goal, but he was a valuable component in an excellent performance.

2015 Getty Images

Arsenal vs Manchester United player ratings

MESUT OZIL: 8 out of 10

A wonderful evisceration of United’s one-pace defence in the opening 10 minutes left his supporters in dreamland. And he kept it up. His ability to find space left the static United midfield dumbfounded, and he then provided excellent passes to his colleagues.

2015 The Arsenal Football Club Plc

Arsenal vs Manchester United player ratings

ALEXIS SANCHEZ: 9 out of 10

A special player indeed who thoroughly deserved each of his goals. The confidence with which he ran at Darmian and Smalling was a sight to behold, and it never seemed to stop. On this sort of form, six goals in eight games, is there a better player in the league?

2015 The Arsenal Football Club Plc

Arsenal vs Manchester United player ratings

THEO WALCOTT: 7 out of 10

May not have got the goal his play thoroughly deserved but his pace and direct running caused Blind and Smalling no little headache. Increasingly impressive is his ability with his back to goal, a part of his game that is clearly improving. A well-crafted assist for Ozil’s goal capped a good game indeed.

2015 Getty Images

Arsenal vs Manchester United player ratings

DAVID DE GEA: 5 out of 10

Could do little about Arsenal’s first-half treble, having to sit back and watch his defence collapse before his very eyes. However he could have been more convincing on crosses considering the undersized Arsenal attack.

2015 The Arsenal Football Club Plc

Arsenal vs Manchester United player ratings

ASHLEY YOUNG: 5 out of 10

Was left looking the naïve one by the direct running of Bellerin, though he would have doubtless appreciated some support from Memphis, and he struggled as much on the ball as off it. Bar one occasion when he shot from 25 yards out he offered nothing going forward.

Getty Images

Arsenal vs Manchester United player ratings

CHRIS SMALLING: 5 out of 10

As his colleagues collapsed around him he gave it his best shot to hold it all together, but it was just too much for a defender who gave the ball away much too often.

2015 Getty Images

Arsenal vs Manchester United player ratings

DALEY BLIND: 5 out of 10

Walcott exposed his limitations as a centre-back. Stepping forward to intercept he looks composed but when players try to get behind him he does not know what to do.

2015 Getty Images

Arsenal vs Manchester United player ratings

MATTEO DARMIAN: 4 out of 10

Was eviscerated by Sanchez, who took the ball past his opponent at will. When a defender considers his best option to be dragging his opponent to the floor, as Darmian did more than once, it’s clear something has gone badly wrong. It was little surprise that Van Gaal withdrew him at half time.

2015 Manchester United FC

Arsenal vs Manchester United player ratings

MICHAEL CARRICK: 4 out of 10

Whether it was Carrick or Schweinsteiger that shiuld have missed out the decision not to play Schneiderlin was bizarre. He was simply overrun by players much quicker than him, though he was too nervy in possession as well.

2015 Manchester United FC

Arsenal vs Manchester United player ratings

BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER: 4 out of 10

His eagerness to press Coquelin and Cazorla left his defence with no shield, and the midfielder could scarcely lay a glove on either. Offered no protection whatsoever from the fast running Arsenal, too often arriving just in time to watch Arsenal go close or score.

2015 Getty Images

Arsenal vs Manchester United player ratings

JUAN MATA: 5 out of 10

An anonymous display from a player capable of far, far better. Monreal could take the ball from the attacker at will, who on no occasion threatened to burst into life. More than once he gave the ball away under no pressure.

2015 Getty Images

Arsenal vs Manchester United player ratings

WAYNE ROONEY: 5 out of 10

He usually relishes the opportunity to take on Arsenal, and he rarely shied away from the limelight. But this was one of those Rooney games where he runs around a lot, desperately trying to influence the game and ending up helping no-one.

2015 Getty Images

Arsenal vs Manchester United player ratings

MEMPHIS DEPAY: 5 out of 10

Full of willingness in attack, he dropped deep and infield to try something, anything to drag United back into the contest. But then it was little wonder that Young found himself with no protection as Arsenal streamed forward, meaning he was a likely candidate for an early bath.

2015 Getty Images

Arsenal vs Manchester United player ratings

ANTHONY MARTIAL: 7 out of 10

When something good happened for United you could be certain that the 19-year-old was involved. His raw pace gave Mertesacker in particular problems, and he showed outstanding technical skills to turn and volley and draw a great save out of Cech.

2015 Manchester United FC

Questions have been raised over his managerial ability in some sections of the fanbase, which is somewhat surprising considering the Frenchman has guided them to the EFL Cup final and will secure a stable Premier League position, albeit lower than their 6th placed finish last season. He did not help his case by deploying cautious tactics against Liverpool in their last fixture, despite having nothing to lose.

Puel did give Southampton fans a boost this week by announcing that their wanted captain Virgil Van Dijk will remain at the club beyond the summer transfer window. They miss him at the heart of their defence and have felt the absence of top-scorer Charlie Austin up front, too; but with no added injuries, we can expect to see a similar line-up to the one used in their last fixture. Arsenal could be without midfielder Granit Xhaka, who has suffered a flair-up of the ankle injury which looked set to keep him out of the weekend’s visit of United. Otherwise, they too are likely to field a similar line-up, with the possibility of the return of Shkodran Mustafi to the squad.

What time does it start?

Southampton vs Arsenal kicks off at 7:45pm on Wednesday 10th May.

Where can I watch it?

The match will not be televised live.

It’s a big game for…

Aaron Ramsey. He won the man of the match award in his last outing and looked at ease next to Xhaka, who could well miss out on Wednesday.

The Welshman will need to build on his impressive performance in order to win over the growing number of Arsenal fans who have become frustrated with his inconsistent performances when fit. On his day, he is a great all-rounder and appears to suit Arsenal’s new formation.

Best stat…

Southampton have won 16 of the 39 meetings against Arsenal at St Mary’s. The Gunners have won 14.

Remember when…

Ian Wright bagged a hat-trick in Arsenal’s 0-4 away demolition of Southampton in March 1994.

Player to watch...

Manolo Gabbiadini. The Italian striker has been an impressive signing for the Saints since joining in January, scoring 6 goals and registering the best goals to minute ratio at the club (106). Arsenal have looked more defensively stable since switching to a three at the back, but even in their recent win over Manchester United, showed that they do allow opportunities. Gabbiadini is certainly Southampton’s biggest threat.

Manolo Gabbiadini has enjoyed a good start at Southampton (Getty)

Past three-meetings

Southampton 0 Arsenal 5
FA Cup, January 2017

Arsenal 0 Southampton 2
EFL Cup, November 2016

Arsenal 2 Southampton 1
Premier League, September 2016

Form

Arsenal: WWWLW

Southampton: WLLDD

Odds…

Southampton to win: 13/5

Arsenal to win: 26/25

Draw: 27/10

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies