Arsenal v Southampton preview and Stuff!

Thank god the Inter lull is over, this is my first post for GFS so let me tell you dear readers now that I have no patience or interest in Internationals or anything that puts money into Sepp Blatters ever growing wallet or panders to FIFA's ever growing ego. However it is gone for while now so we can get back to proper football. After all that is why you come here? To read about Arsenal? Thought so.

This weekend sees Arsenal actually playing at home on a Saturday at 3pm. I did at one point think we were a Sunday team so it is good to see normality return. That is of course unless you cannot get to a game and long for televised Arsenal match at your local bar. Tough living in the UK so I do envy our fans abroad who get to watch games live. However I will be at the game, rubbing salt in the wound? Ah well!

So Southampton are currently bottom of the Premier, Nigel Adkins' side will be using this trip to gain points. Arsenal, now 8th with five points will want to continue in the vain of the Liverpool win, keep a clean sheet again for a fourth game. Amazing that you have to go 1924/25 for the last time we went three unbeaten. I have no doubt that Steve Bould is having an influence here. I also hope Giroud gets a goal to get that monkey off his back. As several people have been commenting, lets hope we have a Henry/Bergkamp awakening as we do seem to have luck against Southampton.

It would be wrong to write off Southampton in this match. Their game against Man Utd shows they are not to be under estimated but if Arsenal can keep their composure I am hopeful for a result. Here are some Opta facts for you.

Southampton have allowed their opponents more shots on target against them than any other team (19)

Arsenal have allowed their opponents the joint-fewest shots on target in the Premier League (7)

The players missing for Arsenal after internationals will be Walcott with a virus (possible agent speak for sulking) and Diaby who is rated at 50/50 but don't hold your breath. For Southampton Guly Do Prado could be dropped for admitting drink driving. Perhaps he and Santos could have a chat!

Arsenal (from): Szczesny, Jenkinson, Vermaelen, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arteta, Podolski, Giroud, Mannone, Koscielny, Ramsey, Santos, Coquelin, Gervinho, Djourou.

Southampton (from): K Davis, Gazzaniga, Richardson, Butterfield, Clyne, Fox, Shaw, Yoshida, Hooiveld, Fonte, Seabourne, Stephens, Chambers, Ward-Prowse, Do Prado, Chaplow, Cork, De Ridder, Ramirez, Lallana, Schneiderlin, Puncheon, Hammond, S Davis, Lambert, Lee, Rodriguez, Mayuka.

As for stuff? Well Wenger does not want to discuss a new contract but just to focus on doing well. That makes a change for someone at Arsenal not to be bleating about money etc. Sagna has upset people with his comments on selling players etc. Be careful what you wish for I say. I still feel that something is wrong deep inside Arsenal but will leave that for another day.

Fingers crossed for the weekend all and see you on the other side.

Arsenal Darkman