Southampton vs Arsenal – Preview, Lineups & Key Players

Get the full match preview for Southampton vs Arsenal on May 25, 2025. Check predicted lineups, team form, key players, and expert insights as Arsenal aim to finish strong and Southampton seek a positive send-off.

The upcoming Premier League fixture between Southampton and Arsenal is scheduled for Sunday, May 25, 2025, at St. Mary’s Stadium in Southampton.  The match will kick off at 8:30 PM IST (3:00 PM UTC)  .

Team Standings and Form

Southampton

Southampton currently on 20th position with 25 goal points.

Overall Record: 2 wins, 6 draws, 29 losses

Recent Form: Winless in last 13 matches 

Currently positioned 20th in the league, Southampton has already been relegated to the Championship.  Their relegation was confirmed on April 6, 2025, following a 3–1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, marking the earliest relegation in Premier League history  .

Arsenal
Arsenal Currently on second position with 67 Goal points.

Overall Record: 19 wins, 14 draws, 4 losses

Recent Form: Unbeaten in last two matches

Arsenal holds the 2nd position in the league standings.  They are aiming to secure a strong finish to the season and possibly challenge for the title, depending on other results  .

Recent Encounters

October 5, 2024: Arsenal defeated Southampton 3–1 at the Emirates Stadium.  Cameron Archer gave Southampton the lead, but Arsenal responded with goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka to secure the win.

Key Players

Arsenal

Bukayo Saka – Top assist provider, key in attack.

Kai Havertz – In strong goal-scoring form.

Martin Ødegaard – Creative playmaker.

Declan Rice – Defensive midfield anchor.

Thomas Partey – Consistent and experienced midfielder.

Southampton

Kamaldeen Sulemana – Fast and dangerous on the counter.

Paul Onuachu – Tall striker, strong aerial presence.

Kyle Walker-Peters – Reliable right-back with attacking runs.

James Bree – Versatile defender with solid crossing.

Match Significance

For Southampton, this match serves as an opportunity to end a challenging season on a positive note in front of their home fans.  For Arsenal, a victory could be crucial in their pursuit of the Premier League title, depending on the outcome of other matches.

Predicted Lineup

Arsenal – Predicted XI (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: David Raya

Defenders: Ben White, Jakub Kiwior, Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly

Midfielders: Martin Ødegaard, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice

Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli

Unavailable/Injured: Jurrien Timber (ankle surgery), William Saliba (hamstring), Gabriel Magalhães (hamstring), Gabriel Jesus (knee), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) 

Southampton – Predicted XI (3-4-2-1)

Goalkeeper: Alex McCarthy

Defenders: James Bree, Jack Stephens, Zach Awe

Midfielders: Romain Perraud, Joe Aribo, Flynn Downes, Kyle Walker-Peters

Attacking Midfielders: Stuart Armstrong, Kamaldeen Sulemana

Forward: Paul Onuachu

Unavailable/Injured: Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jan Bednarek, Ryan Fraser 

Given the contrasting forms and squad depths, Arsenal are expected to field a strong lineup despite some injuries, aiming to finish the season on a high. Southampton, already relegated, may use this match to give opportunities to younger players and prepare for the next season in the Championship.

Conclusion – Southampton vs. Arsenal

Arsenal, currently 2nd in the Premier League, enter the match as strong favorites. With standout players like Saka, Havertz, and Ødegaard, they aim to end the season on a high note despite missing out on the title.

Southampton, already relegated, will be playing for pride in front of their home fans. They’ll rely on pacey forwards like Sulemana and physical presence from Onuachu, but face an uphill battle against a superior Arsenal side.

Prediction: Arsenal likely to win, but Southampton could pose a threat if Arsenal rotate heavily. Expect an entertaining game to close the season.

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