Arsenal travel to Saint Mary’s Stadium to take on Southampton in the final fixture of the 2024/25 Premier League season on May 25.
Both sides have nothing riding on this fixture, other than the need to end the season on a high.
Arsenal will be wrapping up another frustrating campaign that will extend their streak to five years without a trophy, and a third consecutive season as runners-up.
Mikel Arteta’s side didn’t have the drive and consistency to keep up with Arne Slot’s rampant Reds throughout the campaign, and could go into this game against Southampton 15 points behind the champions.
That gulf reflects how hard the Gunners fell off in their quest for a maiden Premier League title in over two decades.
After losing sight of top spot, Arteta’s side switched their attention to Champions League ambitions, but they also came up empty-handed on the continental stage.
Now it’s back to the drawing board for Arteta and co. But things are looking up for Arsenal. With Andrea Berta now pulling the strings, the Gunners could finally get over the line with strategic summer signings.
For now, they still have to see out the season, and devoted fans will flock to Seatsnet.com to get their hands on Southampton vs Arsenal tickets ahead of the game.
Speaking of Southampton, their fate is already written in stone, so this game is more about pride and giving the fans something to cheer for than anything else.
Head to Head
Arsenal clinched a comprehensive 3-1 win when these two sides met in the reverse fixture at the Emirates Stadium in October last year, but the Gunners were made to work hard to earn the points.
After a surprisingly goalless opening 45 minutes, Arteta’s side were pegged back by a 55th-minute effort from Cameron Archer, but Kai Havertz responded quickly to level matters just three minutes later.
Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka later got on the score sheet to seal maximum points.
That win was Arsenal’s first in three Premier League games against Southampton (D2, L1), but the solitary defeat in that run is their only loss against the Saints in ten league games (W5, D4).
Surprisingly, Southampton have a fairly decent home record against Arsenal.
Aside from the fact that their last win over the Gunners came at Saint Mary’s Stadium, the Saints have only lost three of their last 12 home league games against Arsenal (W4, D5).
If Southampton were in better shape, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to put this down as a tricky contest for the Gunners.
But with both sides already looking ahead to the next season, you’d expect Arsenal to see off their relegated rivals and wrap up another frustrating campaign with a win.
Best XIs
Southampton
Simon Rusk and his side will bid farewell to the Premier League with a strong line-up that’ll be keen for one last hurrah before their relegation to the Championship.
Aaron Ramsdale will be the last line of defence. The England international is one of many Southampton players who’ll be searching for greener pastures this summer.
Typically, that should be easier said than done, given his awful record. This is the third time he has been relegated to the Championship after Bournemouth in 2019/20 and Sheffield United in 2020/21.
Ramsdale simply isn’t good enough, so it’s baffling that he still has admirers in the Premier League.
Nevertheless, he’d be hoping to con potential suitors with a decent performance against his former employers and will be helped by a back three of Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jack Stephens, and Jan Bednarek.
Flynn Downes and Chelsea loanee Lesley Ugochukwu will be tasked with anchoring the midfield, while James Bree and Wellington provide width in the wing-back positions.
Like Ramsdale, the game against Arsenal may be Tyler Dibling’s last game for Southampton. A lot of top teams are on his trail, with the youngster seen as a high-value talent.
He’d get a chance to audition in front of Arsenal’s decision makers in this contest, lining up alongside Mateus Fernandes as supporting cast for Kamaldeen Sulemana, who will likely lead the line.
Predicted XI
(3-4-2-1): Ramsdale, Harwood-Bellis, Stephens, Bednarek; Bree, Downes, Ugochukwu, Wellington; Dibling, Fernandes; Sulemana.
Arsenal
Arsenal will likely name a strong starting line-up to close the season on a high. David Raya will continue in goal, with Jurrien Timber likely to slot in at right-back in place of Ben White.
With Gabriel Magalhaes ruled out until next season, Jakub Kiwior has proven to be a reliable partner for William Saliba at the heart of Arsenal’s rearguard.
The pair are expected to continue their central defensive pairing against Southampton. Riccardo Calafiori has returned to full fitness, but Myles Lewis-Skelly could retain his place at left back.
In midfield, Arteta is expected to hand the reins to his trusted trio of Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard.
Partey will anchor the midfield, Rice will provide box-to-box energy, and Odegaard will pull the strings in a more advanced role.
Arsenal’s engine room is a finely balanced blend of composure, physicality, and creativity. They could shake things up this summer amid news of a potential deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
Meanwhile, the front three of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Mikel Merino will be looking to keep Southampton on the back foot.
Even without an out-and-out striker, which is considered the missing piece of Arteta’s side, this front three offers plenty of pace, flair, and goal threat.
They have what it takes to ask serious questions of the Southampton backline.
Predicted XI
(4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Merino, Martinelli.
Ticket Information
Want to experience the thrill of Premier League football live? Secure your tickets through official club websites.
For great deals and a wide selection of seats, especially for Arsenal games, you can get tickets at Seatsnet.com, a secondary marketplace for finding tickets to every Premier League fixture.
How to Watch in the United Kingdom
Watch all the 2024/25 Premier League games live on Sky Sports, TNT Sports, and Amazon Prime Video.
Sky Sports has the most comprehensive coverage with 128 live matches, followed by TNT Sports with 52 games, and Amazon Prime Video with 20 exclusive streams.
No matter your preference, there is a way to watch your favourite team play on matchday.
