Southampton vs Arsenal Prediction: Routine win for the Gunners

Relegated Southampton welcome Arsenal to St Mary's for the final game of the Premier League season on Sunday (16:00), with both sides having nothing to play for. The Saints' fate has been sealed for some time, while the Gunners have all but secured second place with their victory over Newcastle United last weekend.

Below you will find my Southampton vs Arsenal predictions, supported by the latest team news and match odds.

Football Odds

Team News

Southampton could be in a bit of a defensive crisis for the visit of Arsenal on Sunday as an ankle injury to Taylor Harwood-Bellis has ruled hom out, while Jan Bednarek is also struggling with a knee issue.

Kyle Walker-Peters (illness) is considered a doubt for what is likely to be his final match as a Southampton player. Loanee Albert Gronbaek has definitely played for the Saints for the last time because of an Achilles issue.

Matheus Fernandes has impressed this term and it has been reported that Crystal Palace and newly-promoted Leeds United are interested in his services.

Arsenal are going to miss William Saliba on the South Coast because of a hamstring problem he picked up against Newcastle last week. Riccardio Calafiori will join the defence to partner Jakub Kiwior, with both impressing alongside one another in the second half against the Magpies.

Jurrien Timber is out following ankle surgery, while Gabriel Jesus (ACL), Gabriel Magalhaes (hamstring) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) are also confined to the treatment room.

Mikel Merino is back available following a suspension and he provides Mikel Arteta an option in both midfield and attack, having operated as a false nine a few times this season.

Kai Havertz made his return from a hamstring problem last time out and he is another option to lead the line on Sunday, which would lead to competition between Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard for the spot on the left flank.

Southampton vs Arsenal Odds

Southampton have managed just two wins all season and they are 10/1 to stun the Gunners.

They held Manchester City to a draw in their latest home appearance, while Arsenal have drawn four of their past seven fixtures in the top flight. The stalemate is on offer at 11/2.

The visitors are 1/4 to come away with the three points, but you'll find better value in backing them to win to nil - which they have accomplished in 58% (11/19) of their league victories this term.

This is priced at 23/20, which has an implied probability of 46.5%.

BTTS - No has been a successful bet in the Saints' past three outings in the Premier League and this market is available at 1/1 for Sunday. Arsenal are also 21/20 to record a clean sheet.

Arsenal to win to nil @ 23/20

Southampton's relegation was confirmed a while ago and the players are probably desperate for the season to come to an end. This is highlighted by their recent form as they have failed to score in their previous three games in the league.

Lack of attacking threat is no surprise as the Saints are the lowest scorers in the division with 25 goals scored this campaign, and they are up against the team with the best defensive record (33 goals conceded) in Arsenal.

The Gunners may have lost a great opportunity to win the league this term, which is fundamentally a result of injuries and a lack of squad depth in attacking areas, with an emphasis on their lack of a recognised striker, but they have remained strong defensively.

As I mentioned above, 58% of their wins this term have seen them keep a clean sheet, including five of their last seven and each of their previous two.

Southampton are one of the worst sides to ever grace the Premier League, so I am expecting a routine victory for Arsenal here, and keeping a clean sheet shouldn't be a problem.

Flynn Downes to receive a card @ 13/5

No player in the Premier League has picked up more yellow cards this season than Southampton's Flynn Downes. The midfielder has been booked 12 times in 26 appearances this term.

Downes is no stranger to showing aggression in the challenge and there has been plenty of that this term as he has been part of a struggling team that will go down as one of the worst to ever grace the top flight.

He has been shown a yellow card in Southampton's last two outings against Everton and Manchester City, and I believe this trend can continue against Arsenal on Sunday.

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