Arsenal vs. Southampton: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview
Arsenal can claim a major scalp in their hunt to secure a top-four finish on Wednesday when they welcome Southampton to the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners currently sit six points behind the Saints coming into their midweek collision, but they can take a grand step toward a European finish by beating their south-coast foes on home soil.
Read on for viewing information and match preview of Wednesday's north London fixture.
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Date: Wednesday, December 3
Time: 7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m. ET
Live Stream: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.)
TV Info: NBCSN (U.S.)
The Unlikely War for the Top Four
Ronald Koeman came to St. Mary's with a cloud of uncertainty surrounding his squad, who had just sold half of their most prized assets to the rest of England's elite.
However, the Dutchman has done more than taken the losses in his stride and eventually developed a gallop of his own. Sky Sports' Amy Lewis quotes executive director Les Reed in saying the club will fend off any interest in his services:
Arsene Wenger's stock is much less promising at present, and despite last Saturday's win over West Brom, the Frenchman courts doubt from some sections of the Emirates Stadium support.
After losing 3-0 to Manchester City over the weekend, Southampton are in as much need of a boost at present, and Nathaniel Clyne outlined the need to perform against the Gunners on Wednesday:
Seeing the Saints finish among the European spots at the beginning of the campaign may have been deemed unfeasible, but their form has been dazzling at times, not to mention their football being of a glossy standard.
Two teams housing some attractive talents will duel for three points in north London in what could well be deemed an early six-pointer, with the winner clinching huge advantage in the race for the Champions League.
Key Battle
Santi Cazorla vs. Victor Wanyama
In the build-up to their London expedition, Southampton have suffered a major blow in learning that Morgan Schneiderlin will be absent for the tie.
Goal.com revealed that Koeman's French anchor picked up injury in the defeat to Manchester City, representing an opportunity for the Gunners to dominate the middle of the park:
It's especially good news for Wenger not long after he lost Jack Wilshere to injury, and Santi Cazorla will look to follow up a masterclass at the Hawthorns with another dictating display against the Saints.
Looking to fill the void left by Schneiderlin is likely to be Victor Wanyama, but the Kenyan simply isn't the same cultured footballer as his missing team-mate.
Despite all his technical wizardry, however, Cazorla's failure in finishing chances has been picked up by his manager, per the official Premier League Twitter account:
With the assets of Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez lurking, the Spaniard may not need his shooting boots against Southampton, but Wanyama will seek to ensure his influence can't get up to speed at all.
