Arsenal go to St Mary’s on April 4, 2026, sitting comfortably at the top of the Premier League with 70 points. This FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton is a tricky one; the Saints are currently sixth in the Championship and haven’t lost a game since mid-January under Tonda Eckert. Even with a massive Champions League clash against Sporting CP just around the corner, Mikel Arteta knows he can’t underestimate a side with this kind of momentum, especially with a trip to Wembley on the line.
Predicted XI of Arsenal against Southampton
Expect heavy rotation in the starting eleven. Kepa Arrizabalaga should get the nod in goal, stepping in for David Raya as he usually does for cup ties. Since his £5m move from Chelsea last summer, Kepa has proven to be a solid backup with plenty of top-level experience.
In front of him, Ben White will likely hold down the right flank, bringing his usual calm and reliability to the backline. With some regular starters needing a rest, Salmon and Mosquera are expected to pair up in central defence.
It’s a big chance for Salmon to show he belongs in the rotation, while Mosquera’s physical presence will be vital against a Southampton attack that will be up for the fight at home. Riccardo Calafiori rounds out the defence at left-back, likely tucking into midfield as he does so well to help Arsenal keep the ball.
In the middle of the park, Kai Havertz looks set to drop into a deeper role. His ability to time his runs into the box from midfield adds an extra dimension to the attack. He’ll be joined by Christian Norgaard, the £15m summer signing from Brentford, who does the dirty work, winning headers and breaking up play, without needing the spotlight. Youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly completes the trio, bringing the kind of energy and ball-carrying ability that has made him a standout academy graduate in Arteta’s system.
Arsenal have secured one summer transfer and Arteta is determined to add £45m star
Up front, Viktor Gyokeres should lead the line. He’s coming off a massive international break with Sweden, where he bagged a hat-trick against Ukraine and the winner against Poland. That kind of form is exactly what he needs after a bit of a slow start following his €63.5 million move. He’ll be flanked by Dowman on the right, who provides a direct threat out wide, and Gabriel Jesus on the left. Jesus might be starting wide, but his relentless pressing and work rate remain the engine of how Arsenal defend from the front.
Arsenal Predicted XI: Kepa; White, Salmon, Mosquera, Calafiori; Havertz, Norgaard, Lewis-Skelly; Dowman, Gyokeres, Jesus
