Iwobi poised for starting shirt against Southampton

Nigeria international, Alex Iwobi looks good to be included in Arsenal’s starting X1 as the Gunners travel to St Mary’s to face Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Nigerian, who finished fourth in the November player of the month for the club, has continued to enjoy the trust of Arsenal manager, Unai Emery, notwithstanding his inconsistency in his game.

On Friday, Iwobi who has made 20 appearances for the North London side in all competitions this season,  was named in the top 10 shortlist for the African Player of the Year for the forthcoming 2018 Confederation of Africa Football awards.

While Iwobi is sure of a starting shirt, colleague Mesut Ozil is likely to find himself back on the bench for Arsenal, despite having made a successful return from injury in the Europa League on Thursday night, but Ramsey is in contention for a recall after sitting out the last two fixtures.

Sunday’s contest will represent the 96th competitive meeting between the two clubs, with Arsenal registering 49 wins in comparison to 20 victories for Southampton.

The Saints have had joy in this fixture since the start of the 2014-15 campaign with five triumphs coming from 11 encounters, but Arsenal head into this game having not lost in the four most recent clashes.

Read Also: Arsenal player of the month award: Iwobi is last

The Gunners have recorded two wins and a draw from their last three trips to Southampton, with Olivier Giroud netting a late equaliser in the corresponding fixture 12 months ago.