Arsenal predicted lineup vs Southampton: Pepe, Smith Rowe and Cedric start

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With Mikel Arteta coming under increasing pressure, it is probably a good thing that the Arsenal boss could not name an unchanged side on Wednesday even if he wanted to.

One of the main criticisms aimed at Arteta this season has been his reluctance to drop the senior members of the squad who have simply not performed.

Sadly, the 1-0 defeat to Burnley at the weekend seemed to come as a surprise to few. So perhaps it may be the loss that forces Arteta to take a brave step.

He is arguably asking for trouble if he picks a similar team against Southampton this week. Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men are one of the in-form sides in the Premier League.

With that in mind, TBR is anticipating that he could make five changes for the clash.

Admittedly, two have been forced upon him. Hector Bellerin and Granit Xhaka are suspended for the clash.

Meanwhile, it feels as though Arsenal fans would have few complaints if Alexandre Lacazette and Willian – who earns £220,000-a-week, according to the Daily Mail – also missed out.

The final player to be dropped may perhaps be Mohamed Elneny. Arteta hinted that he was not happy with the midfielder following the incident that saw him booked at the weekend (via Football London).

And it would now be no surprise to see the Gunners boss take a tougher stance on discipline.

That could open the door for Cedric Soares, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Dani Ceballos, Emile Smith Rowe and Nicolas Pepe to come in.

Smith Rowe’s first league start since 2019

Both Maitland-Niles and Smith Rowe have been outstanding in the Europa League recently. And it would be an exciting statement of intent to hand both players starts against the Saints.

On paper, it is perhaps a weaker side. But Arsenal fans need to see change. And if Arteta is unwilling to provide it in his lineups, the calls for a change in the dugout may only get louder.

Here is how Arsenal may line up on Wednesday if Arteta springs a few surprises…