Matchpack: Southampton v Arsenal - Eurosport.com AU

TEAM NEWS

Southampton will again be without captain Adam Lallana. The severity of the 24-year-old's knee injury is being kept under wraps, although manager Nigel Adkins has admitted he will not be able to face the Gunners. Right-back Nathaniel Clyne is a doubt with a knee complaint that forced him to miss Saturday's 3-3 draw at Stoke.

Arsenal centre-back Per Mertesacker could be available after illness. Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky was left on the bench for Saturday's 7-3 win over Newcastle, so may also come back into contention to feature at St Mary's. Defender Andre Santos (stomach muscle) and midfielder Abou Diaby (thigh) are expected to start training again this week.

MANAGER QUOTES

Nigel Adkins on a draw at Stoke: “It’s a great point away from home and the players have gone and demonstrated another side to their game. We do pass the ball about and play, and this was another aspect and mentality. It’s two away games we’re undefeated and there’s a lot of positives to take.”

Arsene Wenger: "My hopes (for the new year) are that the win (over Newcastle) will give even more confidence, desire and ambition to our team, and that 2013 will confirm we are a great team."

MATCH FACTS

Arsenal have scored six goals twice in their last six meetings with Southampton.

All four of the Saints’ Premier League wins against the Gunners have come on the south coast.

Theo Walcott has scored 10 goals in his last 10 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions.

Lukas Podolski has scored (4) or assisted (4) eight goals in his last eight Premier League appearances.

Arsenal have scored 13 goals in their last three Premier League games.

Southampton have lost only two of their last nine Premier League games.

Mikel Arteta is one of only two midfielders/forwards in the Premier League this season to play every minute of every game.

Only Man Utd (16) have taken more points over the past six Premier League games than Arsenal (13).

Jack Wilshere has been booked in two of his last three Premier League appearances.

Each of Southampton’s last five home league games have featured under 2.5 goals.

MATCH ODDS

Southampton 4/1, Arsenal 7/10, Draw 11/4.