The FA Cup quarter-finals bring us to St Mary’s this weekend as Southampton take on Arsenal with a place in the semi-finals at Wembley on the line.
Arsenal head into the tie as strong favourites, but this is far from a straightforward assignment.
With the Premier League title race still demanding full attention, and a host of injury doubts following the international break, Mikel Arteta may be forced to rotate, potentially leaving the door open for The Saints to claim another Premier League scalp.
Southampton, meanwhile, are firmly in the mix for a Championship play-off place and are enjoying a superb run of form, unbeaten in their last 14 games.
While consistency has been an issue at times this season, they have already beaten top-tier opposition in the competition, beating Fulham 1-0 in the last round thanks to a 90th-minute penalty.
With contrasting priorities but the same prize in sight, this quarter-final has all the ingredients for a tense and unpredictable cup tie.
What are the best picks for Southampton vs Arsenal?
Arsenal to qualify for the next round
Arsenal should have enough quality to progress, even if Mikel Arteta opts to rotate with bigger priorities in mind.
The Gunners have consistently found ways to win games this season, and even if they do rotate, I don’t think they will struggle too much against a Southampton side that has struggled for consistency, especially in defence.
Over 2.5 goals
Arsenal will continue to create chances regardless of personnel, and even a rotated side carries plenty of attacking threat.
If the visitors strike early, the game could open up quickly, and let’s not forget about those set pieces.
Viktor Gyokores to score anytime
Viktor Gyökeres looks a standout anytime goalscorer option heading into this tie.
The Arsenal forward is coming off a huge confidence boost after netting a hat-trick for Sweden during the international break.
If he starts back, the centre forward to find the net, especially against lower-league opposition.
Where can I watch Southampton vs Arsenal?
USA fans can stream the action live on ESPN+ at 15:00 ET
UK viewers can watch this cup tie live on BBC One or TNT Sports. The game is set for a 20:00 kick-off.
What is Southampton’s current form?
W-D-W-W-W
What is Arsenal’s current form?
W-D-W-W-L
What were the last five results between Southampton and Arsenal?
25/05/2025 – Southampton 1-2 Arsenal (EPL)
05/10/2024 – Arsenal 3-1 Southampton (EPL)
21/04/2023 – Arsenal 3-3 Southampton (EPL)
23/10/2022 – Southampton 1-1 Arsenal (EPL)
16/04/2022 – Southampton 1-0 Arsenal (EPL)
What is Southampton’s predicted team?
Peretz, Bree, Harwood-Bellis, Stephens – Fellows, Downes, Charles, Manning – Azaz – Archer, Larin
Injured: Roerslev, Welington, Scienza, Robinson
What is Arsenal’s predicted team?
Kepa, White, Timber, Mosquera, Lewis-Skelly – Norgaard, Rice – Saka, Havertz, Martinelli, Gyokeres
Injured: Merino, Eze
Doubts: Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard, Madueke, Saka, Trossard
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