Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
The final round of the English Premier League will feature a clash between Southampton and Arsenal. The match is set for Sunday, May 25, with kick-off scheduled for 17:00 Central European Time. I'm offering a tip on the winner of this encounter.
Match preview
Southampton have looked like a struggling side all season and, after returning to the Premier League, failed to retain their spot in the top flight. From the very first rounds, the team settled at the bottom of the table and gradually cemented their place at the foot.
During the campaign, the Saints changed managers twice, but to no avail. As a result, Southampton officially waved goodbye to their Premier League status as early as April, setting an unfortunate new low for the competition.
They did, however, avoid another unwanted record. The team picked up 12 points in 37 matches, already one more than Derby County's infamous tally in the 2007/08 season. Still, there's little to celebrate: Southampton have now finished 20th twice in the last three Premier League campaigns.
This summer, the club could be taken over by 32-year-old English coach Will Still, who previously enjoyed a successful spell at Lens. The manager has already announced his return to England, and negotiations with Southampton are at an advanced stage.
Arsenal were the only club able to challenge Liverpool in the title race. However, fortune deserted Arteta's men—not just in the Premier League.
The Gunners made waves in the Champions League, reaching the semi-finals for the first time in years. They knocked out Real Madrid, and Rice's incredible free-kicks will haunt Courtois for some time. Yet French giants PSG blocked their path to the final, crushing another dream for the fans.
Following their Champions League exit, Arsenal's domestic form also dipped. They allowed a pack of Champions League hopefuls to close in, but a win over Newcastle in their previous fixture has all but secured second place.
Remarkably, this is the third year running that the Gunners have finished as runners-up in England. In the previous two seasons, Arsenal trailed only Manchester City, but this time they couldn't keep pace with Liverpool. For much of the campaign, they played without a recognized centre-forward, with Merino filling the role. It's clear the club will be targeting a striker in the summer.
Match facts
- Southampton are winless in 14 straight matches.
- The Saints haven't tasted victory at home in the Premier League for half a year.
- Arsenal have won just one of their last six matches.
- In the past three months, the Gunners have picked up three points on the road in the Premier League only once.
- Southampton average 0.65 goals per home match, while Arsenal average 1.85 goals per away game.
Probable line-ups
- Southampton: Ramsdale, Stephens, Wood, Kaja Sanda, Aribo, Downes, Ugochukwu, Manning, Fernandes, Dibling, Stewart.
- Arsenal: Raya, Lewis-Skelly, Calafiori, White, Kiwior, Rice, Partey, Odegaard, Martinelli, Saka, Trossard.
H2H
- Both teams have scored in each of the last three head-to-head meetings.
- Southampton have won three of their last six home matches against Arsenal.
Prediction
This season finale carries no weight in the standings and lacks any real intrigue. With Southampton missing key defenders, their back line looks more vulnerable than ever—something the Gunners are sure to exploit. I expect Arsenal to get the job done and will back them to win with a -1 handicap.
