Second-tier Southampton host Premier League leaders Arsenal at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday in an intriguing FA Cup quarterfinal.
Saints are the form team in England heading into this game, as young German coach Tonda Eckert has led an incredible turnaround since coming in as interim coach in November and then getting the job on a permanent basis in December. Saints are full of confidence and on a 14-game unbeaten run in all competitions, as they’re in the top six of the Championship and looking for an immediate return to the Premier League. [They also won 1-0 at Premier League Fulham in the last round of the FA Cup](https://www.nbcsports.com/soccer/news/second-tier-southampton-stun-fulham-to-reach-fa-cup-quarterfinals) and have found some defensive solidity and are dangerous on the counter.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are the heavy favorites to ease into the FA Cup semifinals but it will be intriguing to see their reaction to [losing to the League Cup final against Man City](https://www.nbcsports.com/arsenal-vs-manchester-city-video-highlights-recap-score-stats-league-cup-final) before the international break, plus having so many players withdraw from internationals. The Gunners are looking good for a remarkable treble this season as they sit top of the Premier League, have cruised into the Champions League quarterfinals and are the favorites to win the FA Cup. Their trophy push enters the final stretch this weekend.
For live updates and highlights throughout Southampton vs Arsenal, check out PST’s live blog coverage below.
**How to watch Southampton vs Arsenal live, stream link and start time**
------------------------------------------------------------------------
**Kick off time**: 3pm ET Saturday (April 4)
**Venue**: St Mary’s Stadium — Southampton, Hampshire
**TV Channel**/**Streaming**: ESPN+
**Southampton team news, focus**
--------------------------------
Star winger Leo Scienza missed three games before the international break through injury but the Brazilian should return and will play a big role in this game. Goalkeeper Daniel Peretz is Israel’s number one and on loan from Bayern Munich and his January arrival has made a huge difference for Saints. They will likely play a 4-2-3-1 system with Canadian international Cyle Larin and Scottish striker Ross Stewart splitting time as the main center forward. Key midfielder Flynn Downes is suspended for this game. Saints are the underdogs but that role seems to suit them. Their main aim for this season is promotion and they head to Wrexham in a massive game on Tuesday in the league, so they may rest a few key players.
**Arsenal team news, focus**
----------------------------
The Gunners have a very settled lineup and Arteta will be hoping the international break came at a good time for plenty of his players to get a much-needed rest. A lot of his stars pulled out of international duty with small issues, while Noni Madueke was injured for England and will likely miss this game. Arteta will rotate his lineup a little as Arsenal head to Sporting Lisbon in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal on Tuesday.
**Southampton vs Arsenal prediction**
-------------------------------------
This is probably going to be closer than most people think but Arsenal’s extra quality on the counter will make the difference. **_Southampton 1-2 Arsenal_**.
* * *
#### Page 2