**By Danong**
**For the last time in the 2024-25 season, Arsenal take to the field, facing Southampton at Saint Mary’s Stadium.**
**The Gunners are expected to dispatch Southampton and close their campaign in style, but they must approach this game with seriousness.**
**Southampton have caused Arsenal problems in the past. In their last five meetings, the Gunners have won twice, drawn twice, and suffered one defeat.**
**Despite their relegation, Southampton recently held Manchester City to a goalless draw, proving they are capable of spoiling Arsenal’s party.**
**Even so, they will find it difficult—especially if Mikel Arteta fields a strong lineup.**
**The Arsenal boss will have to approach this fixture without his strongest defensive trio. Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Magalhães, and William Saliba are all out injured, joining Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu on the treatment table.**
**Other than Jesus, it is Arsenal’s backline that has suffered the most from injuries.**
**However, the defensive partnership of Riccardo Calafiori and Jakub Kiwior proved highly effective against a tough Newcastle side.**
**The duo injected pace into Arsenal’s build-up play, with Kiwior looking sharp and Calafiori roaming confidently in possession, ensuring the team remained in control.**
**The pair can be trusted to handle Southampton, with Ben White at right back and Myles Lewis-Skelly on the left.**
**In midfield, Thomas Partey—who Mikel Arteta recently confirmed is set to be offered a new deal—will start as the number six.**
**Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice, last match’s goal-scoring hero, are expected to provide creativity for Arsenal’s attacking trio of Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Bukayo Saka.**
**Havertz could finally make his first start since winter, offering a chance to showcase what Arsenal have been missing.**
**Arsenal’s strongest lineup against Southampton**
**Raya**
**White, Kiwior, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly**
**Partey, Rice, Ødegaard**
**Saka, Havertz, Martinelli**
**If this lineup does not secure a convincing win against Southampton, it’s hard to imagine what would.**
**What do you think?**