Arsenal vs Southampton: Predictions, Team News, Betting Tips, Odds & Bet Builder
The FA Cup quarter-final at St Mary’s arrives on Saturday, April 4 with kick-off at 8pm BST. This preview provides Arsenal vs Southampton: Predictions, Team News, Betting Tips, Odds & Bet Builder ahead of the tie. The match is live in the UK on BBC One and TNT Sports 1 and 5.
Match context
Arsenal arrive chasing another domestic trophy. The Gunners have won the FA Cup a record 14 times. They suffered a 2-0 defeat by Manchester City in the EFL Cup final two weeks ago.
Arsenal also face a busy schedule. Both legs of a Champions League quarter-final against Sporting Lisbon follow. A Premier League trip to Bournemouth precedes their clash with City on April 19.
Southampton form and priorities
Southampton are unbeaten in 14 matches across competitions. They sit in the Championship after last season’s relegation. The club beat Fulham 1-0 in the FA Cup fifth round.
Will Still began the season as head coach. Tonda Eckert took interim charge in November and was later appointed permanently. Southampton prioritise a Premier League return and would prefer a spot in the Championship playoff final on May 23 over a Wembley run.
Recent meetings and key player
Arsenal beat Southampton 1-0 in the 2003 FA Cup Final in Cardiff. Recent encounters have seen both teams score in the last four meetings. Arsenal won both league meetings last season, conceding once in each game.
Gabriel Martinelli is the standout name in this competition. He has four goals and one assist from the third round onwards. He also scored for Brazil in their win over Croatia on Wednesday.
Betting tips and odds
Bookmakers list Arsenal as favourites. Betfair prices at publication showed Arsenal 1-4, Southampton 9-1 and the draw 9-2. Several market plays are worth considering for this tie.
- Recommended bet: Arsenal to win and both teams to score. (Market example available with major operators.)
- Player special: Gabriel Martinelli to score or register an assist.
- Longshot option: Arsenal to win by a 2-1 scoreline.
Suggested Bet Builder elements include both teams to score. Myles Lewis-Skelly to be booked is another angle. Arsenal qualifying remains a strong statistical pick versus lower-league opposition.
Market snapshot
| Market | Odds (example) |
|---|---|
| Arsenal | 1-4 |
| Southampton | 9-1 |
| Draw | 9-2 |
Team news and likely line-ups
Southampton will be without Flynn Downes and Kuryu Matsuki due to suspension. Leo Scienza is expected to miss out with a groin problem. Jack Stephens is being assessed after an ankle issue.
- Southampton predicted (4-2-3-1): Peretz; Bree, Wood, Harwood-Bellis, Manning; Charles, Jander; Fellows, Azaz, Edozie; Stewart.
- Notable subs: Quarshie, Jelert, Romeu, Onyekunle, Bragg, Archer, Larin.
Arsenal have multiple injury doubts. Eberechi Eze, Piero Hincapie, Noni Madueke and Mikel Merino are out. Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are doubtful, which could open a start for Max Dowman.
- Arsenal predicted (4-3-3): Kepa; White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Norgaard, Havertz; Dowman, Jesus, Martinelli.
- Bench options include Salmon, Saliba, Calafiori, Rice, Zubimendi, Trossard, Gyokeres.
Both clubs have clear motivations heading into the match. Arsenal seek silverware amid a packed schedule. Southampton aim to protect a momentum that has seen them stay unbeaten over a long run. The game at St Mary’s promises to be competitive.
