Zinchenko Set to Return vs Southampton

With just over an hour till kick off at the Emirates, Arsenal look to have key player, Oleksandr Zinchenko back in the team, for another important clash vs Southampton.

Although it was only one game he missed, his presence, composure, and intelligence was absolutely missed in the club’s dropped points last weekend vs West Ham.

With Saliba still absent, and the core of the squad being so tightly knit, the buildup especially last week was negatively affected, and having Zinchenko back will be key for that reason alone.

The calmness on the ball, press resistance, decision making, comfortability in most zones, showing for the ball, and being that inverted fullback with such a rare profile, will be very welcome, and will be instrumental tonight.

Zinchenko is a great boost to the Gunners, and the Ukrainian continues to prove why he’s such an integral asset, after his arrival from Manchester City in the summer.

As the title race gets to crunch time stages, the composure & knowhow of Oleksandr will be essential, to ensure complacency on the weekend or any potential nerves when the going gets tough, aren’t overly factored in, for this very young, Arsenal team.