Mikel Arteta could be without a few big names when Arsenal take on Southampton in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup this weekend, unless, of course, his players make miraculous recoveries.
07:00, 03 Apr 2026
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during a training session at Sobha Realty Training Centre on October 31, 2025 in London Colney, England
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Mikel Arteta in Arsenal training at the Sobha Realty Training Centre(Image: Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta could raise eyebrows with his team selection this weekend. Arsenal lock horns with Southampton at St. Mary's Stadium on Saturday evening as they each look to book a place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
The Gunners stumbled into the quarter-finals last month, defeating Mansfield Town on the road. Noni Madueke broke the deadlock just before half-time, but the north Londoners' lead didn't last long, with Will Evans coming off the bench at the break to level proceedings.
Struggling to breakdown the League One outfit, Arteta brought on Jurrien Timber and Eberechi Eze, who found the net within minutes of stepping on the field. Southampton also clambered over the line, scoring a stoppage time penalty against Fulham to seal a place in the quarter-finals.
The Saints have remained unbeaten since their trip to Craven Cottage, winning three and drawing the other. Tonda Eckert's side will hope another Premier League giant-killing is on the cards this weekend.
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So, with that being said, journalists at football.london have picked their starting lineup to face Southampton.
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Jake Stokes
Mikel Arteta could have as many as 11 players unavailable for selection due to injury when Arsenal face Southampton this weekend. But, for some reason, which I just can't put my finger on, I don't think the Gunners will be down to their bare bones, with many of those who withdrew from international duty appearing in the matchday squad.
Although the Spaniard would probably rather start David Raya, he'll likely double down and give Kepa Arrizabalaga the nod just to prove a point. The latter, of course, remained between the sticks for the Carabao Cup final, having played in each of the previous rounds of the competition.
Arteta was heavily scrutinised for playing Kepa, who essentially cost Arsenal a piece of silverware. The Gunners boss stuck to his guns after the game, and it's unlikely that he'll change his tune this weekend.
Kepa Arrizabalaga makes a big error during Arsenal vs Manchester City at Wembley
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Kepa Arrizabalaga makes a big error during Arsenal vs Manchester City at Wembley(Image: Julian Finney/Getty Images)
At the back, Arteta could give Myles Lewis-Skelly a rare start, shifting Riccardo Calafiori into centre-half to cover for Gabriel Magalhaes. In the middle of the park, Declan Rice will probably feature alongside Christian Norgaard, with Kai Havertz in slightly more advanced role.
Unless Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka make miraculous recoveries, Max Dowman and Gabriel Martinelli could start on the wings. Then up top, Gabriel Jesus, who has started in each of the previous FA Cup rounds.
Although Arteta will be desperate to return to winning ways, he mustn't get carried away with his team selection. The Spaniard needs to keep his key players fresh, those that are 'injured' off the pitch, and give non-starters the chance to compete for more minutes.
Jake's starting lineup to face Southampton: Kepa Arrizabalaga; Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Christian Norgaard, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz; Max Dowman, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli.
Kieran Horn
Mikel Arteta should have 11 Arsenal players unavailable due to injury for their FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton. Three concerns heading into the March international break has now increased to double figures with Arteta having to carefully manage the fitness of several star players.
Considering the fixtures beyond their trip to Southampton, changes are likely, but David Raya should be back in goal and behind Ben White, William Saliba, Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori, with Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber and Piero Hincapie rested after all missing international duty.
Declan Rice and David Raya of Arsenal celebrate at full time during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St. James's Park in Newcastle, United Kingdom, on September 28, 2025.
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Declan Rice and David Raya(Image: Michael Driver/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Myles Lewis-Skelly finally gets his chance in midfield with the Hale Ender joined by Christian Norgaard and Kai Havertz, as all of Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard get further time to recover from varying issues.
The front three is made up of Max Dowman, Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli, with Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard on the bench due to their ongoing issues and Noni Madueke out of the squad.
Kieran's starting lineup to face Southampton: David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Cristhian Mosquera, Riccardo Calafiori; Christian Norgaard, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kai Havertz; Max Dowman, Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli.
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