Southampton vs Arsenal: 4 things to watch out for | Premier League 2018-19

Arsenal travel to the Saint Mary's Stadium to take on Southampton in one of this weekend's English Premier League fixtures, with the two teams experiencing contrasting fortunes this season.

The Saints currently occupy one of the relegation spots on the table, and are in 19th position, with just a miserly 9 points from 16 games. Earlier this month, the club released a statement confirming the sack of Mark Hughes as manager of Southampton, after a string of poor results under his watch.

The sack was followed immediately by the confirmation of Ralph Hasenhuttl as manager. Hasenhuttl was the coach of German side Ingolstadt, and led them to be promoted to the Bundesliga in 2014-15, and also was the coach of RB Leipzig who eventually clinched runners-up place behind champions Bayern Munich two seasons ago.

Hasenhuttl coached Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita at RB Leipzig

However, his first game in charge of the Premier League side against Cardiff City ended in a 1-0 defeat.

On the other hand, the visitors are enjoying a renaissance under new manager Unai Emery. The Gunners are still unbeaten in all competitions since they lost to Chelsea on matchday 2 of the season.

This is definitely going to be an interesting tie. One team will be fighting very hard not to lose due to the danger of being relegated, and the other are looking to continue to their fine form this season.

Lets take a look at 4 things to look out for in the game.

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#1 The makeshift defence of Arsenal

Sokratis and Mustafi have been ruled out of the game against Southampton due to suspension

Unai Emery has a negative selection headache in defence. First choice defenders, Sokratis and Shkodran Mustafi are out.

They both received their fifth booking of the season against Huddersfield Town at the Emirates last week, and have been suspended by the FA for this game.

Rob Holding has also been ruled out of the season due to the injury he sustained last week against Manchester United.

Laurent Koscielny, who made his return from injury against Qarabag, is the only recognised first team centre back, while Dinos Mavropanos still out injured, leaving only Nacho Monreal as another player who can deputise at centre back.

It is still not certain if Arsenal's #1 captain will start or play any part in the game against Southampton.

This is what Emery said about Laurent Koscielny:

Today is another step for [Koscielny]," Emery told reporters.

"We need to [find out] tomorrow and Saturday how he is going to feel after this match to see if he can help us on the pitch on Sunday.

"It is good he has recovered and in a good time. Every supporter and player from Arsenal is happy.

"He can take confidence again, take rhythm and then we are going to continue our process. Maybe [he can play] Sunday, but I want to wait to see how he responds

Hopefully Koscielny will be fit enough to start Saturday's game alongside Nacho Monreal and Stephan Lichtsteiner in the event Emery chooses to play a back three.

#2 Southampton will fight for their lives

They need to start picking up points

Southampton are definitely going to give Arsenal a very good fight on Sunday. They are winless in their last 5 games, and have lost 2 of their last 3 games this season.

They need to start picking up points before the winter schedule of fixtures kicks in. It will be extremely difficult for teams who are in the relegation zone by December to avoid relegation come the end of the season.

Thirdly, they have a new manager in Ralph Hasenhuttl. These players will be willing to prove to their new manager that they all deserve a place in the starting eleven. A game against The Gunners could be the perfect game to prove that to the man in charge.

It could also be a spring board to go on and deliver good results which might eventually see them escape relegation.

#3 The potential threat of Charlie Austin

Charlie Austin scored against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium

The England international will be a threat against the makeshift back-line of The Gunners. His aerial prowess as well as his finishing ability are some of his prized assets.

He also has the ability to run opposition defenses ragged if given the opportunity. His run behind defenses often stretches the opposition back-line, and could give room for Nathan Redmond or James Ward Prowse to exploit.

This is Southampton's most lethal weapon, and The Gunners will need to be on their toes for this threat.

#4 High pressing from Arsenal

This is probably going to be how The Gunners will suppress The Saints on Sunday

As exemplified by Unai Emery's team this season, this is probably going to be how The Gunners will suppress The Saints on Sunday. Apparently, Southampton are low on confidence, owing to their poor results so far this season.

One way Arsenal can make The Saints unsure of themselves is pressing them to lose possession, and capitalising on moments of weakness in their defense, which is what Emery will be asking his players to do.

Most likely, we are going to see The Gunners do this for large periods during the game.