Mikel Arteta has named an unchanged lineup from the Everton loss but Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang misses out altogether.
Mikel Arteta has named an unchanged side to face Southampton at the Emirates despite some players underperforming during the loss to Everton.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang misses out of the matchday squad after not being present in training on Friday, while Thomas Partey keeps his place in central midfield.
Without much of a surprise, Aaron Ramsdale starts in goal, with the same backline that started against Everton last Monday shielding him. Takehiro Tomiyasu keeps his place at right-back, with the regular pairing of Ben White and Gabriel holding their spots in central defence. Again, Kieran Tierney is preferred to Nuno Tavares at left-back, with the latter an option from the bench.
Partey keeps his place despite calls for him to be dropped. Granit Xhaka retains his position after returning from his knee injury against Everton. Albert Sambi Lokonga is overlooked again and is on the bench alongside Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
? TEAM NEWS!
??????? @KieranTierney1 starts
?? @ThomasPartey22 in midfield
?? @LacazetteAlex captains the side#ARSSOU— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 11, 2021
Emile Smith Rowe is only fit for the bench, as Arteta retains the same attacking players. Martin Odegaard starts in the advanced midfield role, with Bukayo Saka on the right and Gabriel Martinelli on the left side of the attack. Alexandre Lacazette is preferred again to Aubameyang, who is absent from the matchday squad altogether.
Arsenal Starting Lineup: Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Lacazette
