The 2024/25 Premier League season is in its final gameweek, and Arsenal were expected to have won or be fighting for the title that has evaded them for 20 years. However, *the Gunners*have limped across the finish line, only just securing Champions League football.
Mikel Arteta’s side now play a dead-rubber encounter on the South coast against already relegated Southampton. The Saints have managed to avoid becoming the statistical worst Premier League side of all time, securing the required points tally of 12.
Both sides will be playing for pride on Sunday; the only silverware on offer is for Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, who can retain his Golden Glove award.
In a season of disappointment for Arsenal and Southampton, both Mikel Arteta and Simon Rusk will look to end the season on a high.
Southampton
The hosts will be without Taylor Harwood-Bellis (ankle), Jan Bednarek (knee) and loanee Albert Grønbæk (achilles).
**Charlie Taylor**is also unlikely to be involved after suffering an injury, whileKyle Walker-Petersis also a doubt. Walker-Peters is out of contract in the summer and may have played his last game for the Saints.
Southampton player of the season, Mateus Fernandes, is available for selection.
Arsenal
Arsenal will be without several key players. Gabriel Magalhães (hamstring), Gabriel Jesus (cruciate ligament), Jurrien Timber (ankle), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) and William Saliba (hamstring) are all set to miss the match at St Mary’s Stadium.
Kai Havertz recently returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines and should feature.
Both Kieran Tierney and Jorginho could make their last appearances as Arsenal players, with both linked to moves away from the Emirates Stadium.
Likely lineups
Southampton
(3-4-2-1): Ramsdale; Bree, Wood, Stephens; Sugawara, Downes, Aribo, Wellington; Dibling, Fernandes; Sulemana
Arsenal
(4-3-3): Raya; White, Kiwior, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
Key players
Southampton – Mateus Fernandes
Mateus Fernandes of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Manchester City (Credit: Matt Watson/ GettyImages).
Mateus Fernandes of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Manchester City (Credit: Matt Watson/ GettyImages).
After a dismal season for the Saints, Mateus Fernandes has been a shining light in a sky full of clouds. The Portuguese midfielder won the Fans’ Player of the Season award.
Fernandes has featured in all but two of Southampton’s league matches, scoring twice and assisting a further three goals. The midfielder completed a transfer from Sporting Lisbon at the beginning of the campaign.
The Portugal under-21 international is a tough tackler, having made an average of 2.81 per match. This puts him in the 98th percentile of midfielders.
Arsenal – Declan Rice
Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Newcastle (Credit: Jacques Feeney/Offside/GettyImages).
Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Newcastle (Credit: Jacques Feeney/Offside/GettyImages).
The Gunners have a number of key players, but Rice has snatched away that award with his impressive form during the campaign. The former West Ham star has recorded a personal best total of 19 goal involvements, including those two sensational whipped free kicks against Real Madrid.
Rice struck home Arsenal’s winner last week against Newcastle United. This all but confirmed second place for the Gunners. Without Rice, it is hard to imagine where his side would be.
Match details
Where is the game being played?
St Mary’s Stadium – home of Southampton.
What time is kick-off?
The match commences at 16:00 BST on Sunday, May 25.
How can I watch the game?
The match is not live in the UK. However, Match of the Day will show highlights at 22:30 BST.