By KBC Associate 
Match preview for Southampton v Arsenal
Gameweek 38 of the Premier League presents a dead rubber at St Mary’s, as already-relegated Southampton host runners-up Arsenal.
While the Gunners are all but mathematically confirmed as this season’s silver medallists, the Saints are preparing to say farewell to the top flight after a brutal campaign.
Arsenal come into the game off the back of a 1-0 win over Newcastle, thanks to Declan Rice’s 19th goal contribution of the season.
Mikel Arteta’s men have already secured Champions League football and will confirm second place officially with just a single point on Sunday.
For Southampton, it’s about pride. With 29 defeats this season, they have narrowly avoided setting the Premier League record for most losses in a single campaign.
Interim boss Simon Rusk will oversee his final game before a likely summer handover, with Lens boss Will Still among the rumoured successors.
Arsenal are unbeaten on the final day of the Premier League season for 20 years, while Southampton have managed just two home league wins since January 2023.
The gulf in class and momentum could not be much bigger, though the Saints may take heart from having beaten Arsenal eight times in the Premier League — all at St Mary’s.
One last session. One last push.
📺 Time to go Inside Training for the final time this season 👇
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 23, 2025
Team news for Southampton v Arsenal
Taylor Harwood-Bellis (ankle) is out, joining Jan Bednarek (knee) on the defensive casualty list.
Kyle Walker-Peters (illness) is a doubt and may have played his last game for the club. Albert Gronbaek (Achilles) is also out.
After handing 18-year-old Joachim Kayi Sanda his debut last weekend, Rusk is expected to turn to Yukinari Sugawara for more stability at the back.
William Saliba is out with a hamstring injury sustained against Newcastle. Jurrien Timber (ankle surgery), Gabriel Jesus (ACL), Gabriel Magalhaes (hamstring), and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) are also unavailable.
Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard have shaken off recent niggles, while Mikel Merino returns from suspension and Kai Havertz could play a bigger role after his return from injury.
Expected line-ups for Southampton v Arsenal
Southampton: Ramsdale; Sugawara, Stephens, Wood; Bree, Smallbone, Downes, Welington; Dibling, Fernandes; Sulemana
Arsenal: Raya; White, Calafiori, Kiwior, Tierney; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Nwaneri, Merino, Martinelli
How to watch Southampton v Arsenal: TV channel, online stream
Southampton v Arsenal is not available to watch in the UK with other Premier League games selected for coverage.
The stats for Southampton v Arsenal
- Arsenal have won 23 final-day Premier League games, more than any other side. They are unbeaten in GW38 since 2005.
- Southampton have lost 29 Premier League games this season — one short of a new record for most defeats in a campaign.
- The Saints have beaten Arsenal eight times in the Premier League — all at St Mary’s.
- Arsenal need just one point to officially confirm second place in the league.
- Southampton have won just two home league matches since January 2023.
- The reverse fixture ended 3-1 to Arsenal, despite Southampton taking the lead.
- Arsenal have scored first in five of their last six away matches.
- Southampton are winless in their last six league games (D1 L5).
❌ Taylor Harwood-Bellis
❌ Jan BednarekA full team news update ahead of Sunday’s clash with Arsenal 👇
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 23, 2025
Prediction
Neither side has anything at stake, but Arsenal’s quality should see them through comfortably.
Expect a controlled performance from Arteta’s men, who will want to finish the season on a high.
The Saints might keep it competitive early on, but their defensive frailties are likely to show again as the Gunners confirm second place with ease.
Southampton 0-2 Arsenal