Paul Merson thinks Arsenal player could be dropped v Southampton after '2/10' display last week

Arsenal legend Paul Merson has made his prediction for the Gunners’ upcoming trip to Southampton (Sportskeeda).

The Highbury icon reckons Mikel Arteta might even drop Alexandre Lacazette for the Premier League encounter.

Arsenal have suffered a downturn in form at the worst possible time, losing three of their last four matches.

The Gunners have also lost their last two in a row, against Brighton and Crystal Palace.

As a result, Arsenal are now fifth in the table and three points behind rivals Tottenham.

Lacazette has struggled in recent weeks, with just one goal to his name from his last 11 games.

His all-round play has not been anywhere near as impressive as earlier in the season either.

Lacazette’s display against Brighton came in for strong criticism by several media outlets.

Football.london gave him 4/10 and wrote: “Non-existent again.

“Teams have snuffed out the Frenchman as a link man in recent weeks.

“And with his goalscoring record as poor as it is, you wonder what he brings to the team.”

90Min went as low as 2/10, writing: “Completely anonymous.

“Where once his presence benefitted Arsenal, it’s now becoming a hindrance.”

A tad harsh, but there’s no doubt he has been struggling compared to earlier in the season.

That said, Southampton aren’t in great form either, and lost 6-0 to Chelsea last time out.

“Arsenal could fancy their chances”

Merson reckons Arsenal will have enough to see off the Saints and win 3-1 on the south coast.

“Southampton are in poor form but they’ll need to go after a result,” he wrote.

“No one thinks this game is a foregone conclusion.

“Southampton have come back for a nine-goal debacle before and cannot be taken lightly.

“Arsenal could fancy their chances of picking up a win here.

“Alexandre Lacazette hasn’t been able to score goals and I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t play this game.

“Southampton are not going to sit back and defend this week, and I think that could play into Arsenal’s hands.”