Southampton vs Arsenal predictions: Gunners can cut loose at Southampton
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- Arsenal have suffered fewer away defeats this season than any other Premier League team
- Southampton have lost 14 of their 18 home league games
- Recommended bet: Arsenal -2 on 3-way handicap
Southampton's previous spell in the Premier League lasted for 11 seasons but they are heading back to the Championship after only one year this time and with just 12 points on the board after 37 matches.
That may well end up being their final total as Arsenal are hot favourites to win on the south coast in Sunday's Premier League fixture.
The Gunners are not yet mathematically assured of finishing as runners-up to Liverpool but they lead Manchester City by three points with a goal difference that is eight superior so they have little to worry about going into their season finale.
Arsenal have lost only two of their 18 league away games after drawing 2-2 at Anfield on their last domestic road trip and they should be looking forward to a less testing finish to the campaign after facing Paris St-Germain, Liverpool and Newcastle in their last three matches.
Southampton's most recent win came at fellow relegated side Ipswich on the first day of February, since when they have managed only three draws and 11 defeats.
The Saints took the lead in the teams' meeting at the Emirates Stadium in October but it lasted only three minutes and they went on to lose 3-1.
The Gunners have taken only one point from their last two visits to St Mary's but they should be confident of getting a full return this time.
Team news
Kyle Walker-Peters missed Southampton's match against Everton through illness while Jan Bednarek has a knee issue, but with both players set to leave the club in the summer they may not regain their places even if they are fit enough.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis limped off against the Toffees and is another doubt. Long-term absentees Albert Gronbaek, Charlie Taylor and Ryan Fraser are unlikely to return.
Arsenal will be without William Saliba (hamstring), Jurrien Timber (ankle), Gabriel Jesus (knee), Gabriel Magalhaes (hamstring) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee), but will have Mikel Merino available again after he was suspended for their last league match against Newcastle.
Riccardo Califiori could start in defence, while Declan Rice may not be risked on the final day after being troubled by a hamstring issue recently.
Kai Havertz could make his first start since February after a substitute appearance against Newcastle.
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The stats
Both teams have scored in five of the teams' last seven Premier League meetings.
Arsenal have lost only two of their last 16 league games against Southampton.
Southampton have lost 12 of their last 15 home league fixtures.
Arsenal are unbeaten in their final league matches over the last 19 seasons.
Four of Arsenal's last five league games have generated over 2.5 goals.
Saints have suffered more home defeats (14) than any other top-flight team.
Prediction
Arsenal can relax and enjoy themselves a little on the final day of the Premier League season and they look capable of recording a wide-margin win over Southampton.
The Saints are heading back to the Championship with just 12 points from their first 37 league games, and only one win in 18 home league matches is a sorry return.
The Gunners have plenty of talented young forward players who will appreciate the opportunity to show what they can do and head into the summer break in a positive mood.
Southampton haven't scored in their last three games and they have shipped 45 goals at home this season while scoring only 12 times in front of their own fans.
Arsenal had comfortable wins when they visited the other relegated teams, beating Leicester 2-0 and Ipswich 4-0, and they look capable of a victory by three goals or more at St Mary's.
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