Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will be having their credentials as FA Cup defending Champions tested as they take on Southampton in their most recent FA Cup tie. The Gunners are currently enjoying a fine run of form as they continue their resurgence in the Premier League as well as the FA Cup.

With four wins in their last five games, which includes the victory over Newcastle in the previous FA Cup round, the mood and spirits in the Arsenal dressing room have been lifted as Mikel Arteta has been tipped to continue turning things around.

While Arsenal will be heading into the game beaming with more confidence, Southampton have not been bad either. The Saints have suffered just one loss in their past five fixtures and judging by the current form of both teams, the match is expected to be a cracker.

Team News – Arsenal

Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and teammate Dani Ceballos are doubts for the Gunners heading into the match. Pablo Mari is also a doubt for the fixture having missed a couple of games for the Gunners due to injury. Willian and Pepe are expected to return to the XI for the Gunners.

Possible Arsenal Formation: 4-2-3-1

Possible Arsenal XI: Bernd Leno; Kieran Tierney; Calum Chambers; Gabriel Magalhaes;  Cedric Soares; Dani Ceballos; Mohamed Elneny; Willian; Gabriel Martinelli; Eddie Nketiah; Nicolas Pepe.

With this team, Arsenal are expected to put up a good fight and possibly come out of the tie as winners. Arsenal fans will be looking forward to the game with some more positivity compared to some weeks back when the club were in deep shambles and kept losing games week after week. But with the momentum returning to the Emirates, they may well see of Ralph Hasenhüttl’s men but with a close margin.