Arsenal face Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-final at St Mary’s this evening, looking to book yet another place at Wembley during the 2025/26 campaign.
Mikel Arteta’s men come into the clash after the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City, with the opportunity to get one step closer to a trophy undoubtedly the motivation.
Given that the Gunners will be facing Championship opposition this evening, it’s highly likely that the manager will make numerous changes to his starting eleven.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrates after the match
Multiple senior members of the first-team squad pulled out of their spells with their respective nations on international duty - with it remaining unclear how many will feature today.
However, the manager desperately needs to hand one player the chance to start this evening, especially after his form before the recent international break.
Why Arteta must start Dowman against Southampton
Eyebrows have been raised by many across the country over the last couple of months, especially after the integration of 16-year-old Max Dowman in recent months.
Despite the attacker’s tender age, Arteta has trusted him to become a regular member of the senior ranks - subsequently making seven appearances so far this term.
Max-Dowman-Arsenal
The highlight of his career undoubtedly came against Everton back in March, as he ran from his own half before slotting into an empty net to become the Premier League’s youngest goalscorer.
He also made history for the Gunners during their last FA Cup game against Mansfield, as he became the club’s youngest-ever player in the aforementioned competition.
Given his recent record-breaking feats for the Gunners over recent months, there’s no denying that Dowman’s self-confidence will certainly be at an all-time high.
As a result, it’s vital the manager hands the teenager yet another chance to impress during this evening’s latest FA Cup tie against lower league opposition.
The player who Arteta must start in a new role vs Southampton
As with previous rounds of the FA Cup, the Arsenal fans will certainly be intrigued as to what Arteta has up his sleeve with his selection - especially considering what’s at stake in the Premier League.
During the previous round against League One side Mansfield, the Spaniard opted to utilise a back three, which saw youngster Marli Salmon make his first senior start.
Marli-Salmon-Mansfield-Arsenal
He also handed Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke the responsibility of featuring in a wing-back role - subsequently putting faith in their ability without the ball.
However, there’s no denying that Southampton are a step above the Stags, with the manager needing to strike the perfect balance between regular starters and impact players.
He should look to hand a rare start to youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly, with the left-back finding starting minutes extremely hard to come by in 2025/26.
The 19-year-old broke into the senior ranks last season, even scoring against Manchester City, leading many to tip the teenager to become a huge star for the club.
However, he’s started just one league game so far this term, subsequently being unable to dislodge the likes of Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori from the starting role.
myles lewis-skelly
Arteta should look to start the youngster in a central midfield role during the cup clash tonight, a position the defender has previously featured in during his earlier years.
The fitness issues of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi could allow the manager to hand the Englishman a rare chance to shine at the heart of the side.
Lewis-Skelly, who’s been dubbed a “future captain” by club insider Hand of Arsenal, has the ability to feature in such a position - as seen by his 89% pass completion rate this term.
Myles Lewis-Skelly - PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Minutes played
Pass accuracy
Chances created
Dribble success
Fouls won
Duels won
Tackles made
He’s also completed 83% of the dribbles he’s attempted in 2025/26, which could hand the Gunners a needed calm and composed presence at the base of the side.
The teenager’s talents have also been reflected without the ball, subsequently making 1.2 tackles per 90, whilst coming out on top in 54% of the duels he’s entered.
There’s no denying the current season has been a struggle for Lewis-Skelly, but tonight’s clash could hand him the perfect chance to stake his claim for a regular role again.
He’s certainly a player who possesses a lot of talent, as seen on a regular basis last season, but he needs the backing of his manager to showcase his talents.
lewis-skelly-arsenal
His selection, alongside Dowman, could hand the Gunners a huge opportunity to secure another victory and book themselves a place in the FA Cup semi-finals.
zubimendi Related
Bad news for Zubimendi: £42m sensation is now a summer target for Arsenal
He could become Declan Rice's new partner in midfield.