Timber out, Tomiyasu return, Nwaneri call, Sterling decision – Arsenal changes vs Southampton

Arsenal take on Southampton on Saturday afternoon in the final match before another dip in the season as the second international break sneaks its way around. Arsenal remain unbeaten in all competitions, sitting joint on points with Manchester City in the Premier League, on four points in the Champions League after their 2-0 midweek win over PSG and into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after beating Bolton Wanderers.

The game against PSG on Tuesday night was another physical effort that saw many players extend themselves and even at some cost. Jurrien Timber was taken off at half-time following what Mikel Arteta described as a muscular issue that he felt and they preferred not to take any risks – although he was spotted by football.londonafter the game moving normally in what is hopefully a positive sign.

After four games in less than two weeks, there is also some scope for rotation, especially against a Saints side who have had a very poor start to the new season. The return of Aaron Ramsdale in goal will be one for the narrative writers but Arsenal will be focusing solely on themselves as will Arteta for his team.

David Raya will of course continue having shaken off any of the issues that saw him miss the game with Bolton. In front of him will also be the regular partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.

However, the full-back positions could be made to change through the fitness question marks of Timber and Ben White. Riccardo Calafiori played at right-back after the Dutch international came off and Jakub Kiwior did okay but the return of Takehiro Tomiyasu to full training could allow Arteta to bring the Japanese international into the fold at right-back at the perfect time.

Into midfield and Mikel Merino’s debut has me excited for what the Spaniard will bring to the Arsenal midfield and the return of Declan Rice to the number six position. This is how I would change the team for Saturday in what looks like a perfect time to rejig the midfield.

The final piece of the puzzle is a full Premier League start for Ethan Nwaneri who impressed heavily in his last two appearances against Bolton and Leicester City. Playing with Rice and Merino to support him would be perfect and provide the foundation for him to flourish.

Like Nwaneri against Bolton, Raheem Sterling also impressed and is fully rested after not coming on against PSG. A start here against Southampton would be a good opportunity for him with Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz maintaining their starting spots in the forward line.

Arsenal XI vs Southampton: Raya; Tomiyasu, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Merino, Nwaneri; Saka, Havertz, Sterling.