Prediction and odds for the game: Southampton (21/10) vs Arsenal (13/10)

We are backing the away win

When: Saturday, 23rd January 2021, Kick-off 12:15

Where: St Marys Stadium

On Saturday afternoon, Southampton and Arsenal go head-to-head at St Marys in the FA Cup fourth round.

Southampton

The Saints head into this clash in mixed form. Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team only booked their place in the fourth round on Tuesday night, seeing off League Two strugglers Shrewsbury 2-0 in their rearranged third-round tie. The fact that the win was only Saints second in seven games in all competitions is slightly worrying for the team from the south coast. The other win was, of course, a 1-0 home win over struggling reigning champions, Liverpool.

One noticeable factor for the home side of late has been a lack of goals, as they have scored just three goals in six competitive outings. The fact star striker Danny Ings has been in and out of the team has not helped the home sides productivity in front of goal.

Southampton do not have a great recent record in the FA Cup, winning just two of their last seven matches in 90 minutes. Their recent matches in the FA Cup games have been relatively low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in three of their last four outings.

Arsenal

The Gunners head into this clash on a good recent run of form. Mikel Arteta’s team are unbeaten in six matches in all competitions, having recorded four wins in the process.

The team from north London have been formidable in defence of late, having kept five straight clean sheets in all competitions. Despite their recent defensive improvement, five of Arsenal’s previous eight competitive matches have produced over 2.5 goals.

As holders of the FA Cup, Arsenal’s recent record in the competition is good, as they have won six of their last seven matches in the competition in 90 minutes. However, they needed extra-time to beat Newcastle 2-0 in the third round. Their form in front of goal was a key to Arsenal winning the competition last season, as the Gunners have scored at least two goals in five of their last six outings in the competition.

Unsurprisingly, Arsenal have been hard to beat on home soil of late in the FA Cup, losing just one of their last five home matches in the competition.

Conclusion

Arsenal are in the better form of the two teams and seem to have some positive momentum heading into this clash. Southampton have not been great of late. Therefore, we are backing the away win. However, we believe that this clash will be a low-scoring one and produce under 2.5 goals. Southampton have struggled for goals in recent matches, while Arsenal have been strong defensively.

Verdict: We are backing the away win at odds of 13/10 and/or under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 3/4. (All odds are taken from Bet365).

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