Southampton vs. Arsenal Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 25 May 2025 - bettingexpert
Get ready for an intriguing Premier League clash as Southampton hosts Arsenal at St. Mary’s Stadium on Sunday, May 25th, at 16:00. This final round game may seem like a mere formality, but it carries emotional weight and individual objectives worth noting.
Southampton’s season has been historically poor, languishing at the bottom with just 12 points, and they now face an Arsenal team secure in second place with 71 points. Southampton recently avoided equalling Derby County’s negative record by earning a point against Manchester City, demonstrating their determination to end the season on a high.
Arsenal, on the other hand, though clear favourites with odds stacked at 1.28 for a win, might not be fully focused. They have already sealed their Champions League spot and second place in the league. However, they aim to support their goalkeeper, David Raya, in his pursuit of the Golden Glove, currently tied with 13 clean sheets.
Arsenal has scored in 86% of their matches this season, making them a formidable opponent. Referee Darren Bond, known for his average of 4.3 yellow cards per game, will oversee this match.
Recommended bet: Southampton to win
Despite Southampton’s poor form, playing at home might give them a boost, adding a layer of unpredictability to this intriguing fixture.
Southampton vs Arsenal Prediction & Betting Tip
Our betting tip for this game is to back Southampton to win despite their tough season. Here’s why:
| Southampton vs Arsenal Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Southampton to win | 9.57 |
- Arsenal’s Focus: Arsenal have already secured second place, so their intensity might decrease, giving Southampton a better shot.
- Southampton’s Determination: Despite being relegated, Southampton have shown fighting spirit, especially at home.
- Unpredictability Factor: The last game of the season often defies expectations, adding a layer of unpredictability to the result.
Southampton vs Arsenal Odds
Here’s a quick look at the odds for this Premier League clash:
| Southampton vs Arsenal Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Southampton to win | 9.57 |
| Draw | 5.82 |
| Arsenal to win | 1.28 |
Arsenal are heavy favorites, having secured second place with an impressive season under Mikel Arteta. Despite being already relegated, Southampton will aim to end their season on a positive note. With the final match offering an unpredictability factor, there might be some value in backing Southampton, especially considering Arsenal’s potential to rotate their squad.
Southampton Team Analysis
Southampton Recent Performance
Southampton’s recent form has been bleak, and their last five matches reflect their struggles. Their performance has been marked by:
- Loss to Everton (2-0)
- Draw against Manchester City (0-0)
- Loss to Leicester (2-0)
- Loss against Fulham (1-2)
- Draw with West Ham (1-1)
Here’s a snapshot of their recent results:
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everton | Southampton | 2025-05-18 | Premier League | 2-0 (Loss) |
| Southampton | Manchester City | 2025-05-10 | Premier League | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Leicester | Southampton | 2025-05-03 | Premier League | 2-0 (Loss) |
| Southampton | Fulham | 2025-04-26 | Premier League | 1-2 (Loss) |
| West Ham | Southampton | 2025-04-19 | Premier League | 1-1 (Draw) |
Southampton’s average goals scored in the last five games is a mere 0.40, reflecting their struggle to find the back of the net. Defensively, they’ve managed only one clean sheet in those matches. The Saints will be looking to salvage some pride in this final fixture of their season at St. Mary’s Stadium.
Southampton Key Players
Southampton has struggled significantly this season, but key players like Paul Onuachu, their top scorer with 4 goals, still have the potential to make an impact. Despite the team’s poor form, these players will aim to end the season on a positive note against Arsenal.
Paul Onuachu will be key in the attack, while Kamaldeen Sulemana is likely to feature prominently. On the defensive side, the experienced Jack Stephens will be crucial.
Expected lineup for Southampton:
- Goalkeeper: Alex McCarthy
- Defenders: Joachim Andersen, Jack Stephens, Nathan Wood
- Midfielders: James Bree, Flynn Downes, Joe Aribo, Wellington
- Forwards: Tyler Dibling, Mateus Fernandes, Kamaldeen Sulemana
With several injuries limiting their options, Southampton’s remaining fit players will need to step up to the challenge.
Southampton Suspensions & Injuries
Southampton faces this crucial match with several important players sidelined by injury, which could significantly impact their performance against Arsenal. Here are the current injuries:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Ryan Fraser | Physical discomfort | Doubtful |
| Albert Gronbaek | Strain injury | Doubtful |
| Charlie Taylor | Knock injury | Doubtful |
| Kyle Walker-Peters | Illness | Doubtful |
| Jan Bednarek | Knock injury | Doubtful |
These injuries mean that Southampton will be without some key figures, potentially weakening their defensive and midfield lines. The absence of Bednarek, in particular, will be keenly felt, leaving Southampton vulnerable at the back. This makes it crucial for the remaining fit players to step up and deliver strong performances to end the season on a positive note.
Southampton Tactics and Formation
Southampton Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-4-2-1
- Key Forward: Kamaldeen Sulemana
- Midfield Core: Flynn Downes, Joe Aribo
- Defensive Line: Joachim Andersen, Jack Stephens, Nathan Wood
- Wing Play: James Bree, Wellington
Southampton will likely field a compact 3-4-2-1 formation at St. Mary’s Stadium. With their home ground being the venue, the team under Simon Rusk looks set to prioritize solid defense, given their vulnerability and injury woes.
The key forward Kamaldeen Sulemana will aim to capitalize on any defensive lapses Arsenal might present. The midfield core will focus on disrupting Arsenal’s rhythm and ensuring quick transitions to counter-attacks. This game offers Southampton one last chance to show their determination and end the season on a positive note.
Arsenal Team Analysis
Arsenal Recent Performance WDLLL
Arsenal’s recent form has not been their finest, with only one win in their last five matches:
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | Newcastle | 2025-05-18 | Premier League | 1-0 (Win) |
| Liverpool | Arsenal | 2025-05-11 | Premier League | 2-2 (Draw) |
| PSG | Arsenal | 2025-05-07 | Champions League | 2-1 (Loss) |
| Arsenal | Bournemouth | 2025-05-03 | Premier League | 1-2 (Loss) |
| Arsenal | PSG | 2025-04-29 | Champions League | 0-1 (Loss) |
Arsenal, managed by Mikel Arteta, have struggled to maintain form recently despite having averaged 1.00 goal per game and securing one clean sheet in their last five games. Despite these challenges, they remain the bookmaker favourites against Southampton.
Arsenal Key Players
Arsenal boasts several key players in their lineup, who will be crucial in their match against Southampton.
- Bukayo Saka: Always a dangerous presence on the right flank, expected to provide creativity and pace.
- Kai Havertz: The top scorer for Arsenal this season with 9 goals, his ability to find the back of the net makes him a significant threat.
- Gabriel Martinelli: Expect him to be a constant menace to the Southampton defenders with his dribbling and speed.
Expected lineup for Arsenal:
- Goalkeeper: David Raya
- Defenders: Ben White, Jakub Kiwior, Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly
- Midfielders: Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice
- Attackers: Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Mikel Merino
Key individual battles to watch include Bukayo Saka vs Nathan Wood and Kai Havertz against Jack Stephens.
Arsenal Suspensions & Injuries
Arsenal faces some significant injury concerns ahead of their match against Southampton, which could impact their performance.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Takehiro Tomiyasu | Knee surgery | Out for season |
| Gabriel Jesus | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for season |
| Gabriel Magalhães | Hamstring Injury | Out for season |
| Jurrien Timber | Ankle injury | Late June 2025 |
| William Saliba | Hamstring Injury | Doubtful |
These injuries, especially to key players like Gabriel Jesus and William Saliba, may limit Arsenal’s defensive and attacking options. The absence of these players might force Mikel Arteta to rely on less experienced squad members, potentially affecting their overall cohesion and performance on the pitch.
Arsenal Tactics and Formation
Arsenal’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Forward: Mikel Merino
- Midfield Trio: Martin Ødegaard, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice
- Defensive Strength: Despite injuries, Arsenal still managed one clean sheet in their last five games.
- Notable Strategy: Arsenal’s attacking prowess is led by dynamic wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, who often stretch defenses with pace and skill.
Arsenal are expected to control the midfield with their trio.
Ødegaard’s creativity, combined with Partey’s and Rice’s defensive capabilities, provide a strong backbone.
They will look to exploit Southampton’s defensive frailties, with Saka and Martinelli heavily involved in penetrating runs behind the lines.
Southampton vs Arsenal Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | Southampton | 2024-10-05 | Premier League | 3-1 (Win) |
| Arsenal | Southampton | 2023-04-21 | Premier League | 3-3 (Draw) |
| Southampton | Arsenal | 2022-10-23 | Premier League | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Southampton | Arsenal | 2022-04-16 | Premier League | 1-0 (Win) |
| Arsenal | Southampton | 2021-12-11 | Premier League | 3-0 (Win) |
These previous encounters highlight a varied history between the sides, with Arsenal typically coming out on top. However, Southampton have managed to hold their ground with some draws and a notable win. Arsenal’s superior form this season suggests they are likely to continue their dominance, but Southampton will hope to leverage home advantage and make things difficult for the visitors.
Odds accurate as of 23.05.2025 16:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
