Mikel Arteta has been compared to Manchester United great Alex Ferguson after the number of international withdrawals the Gunners had in March.

But several genuine concerns perhaps mean Tonda Eckert's in-form Saints side have more of a chance than the bookies are currently giving them.

Saints host the top-flight leaders and Carabao Cup beaten finalists, who are still eyeing up a famous treble this season, at 8pm on Saturday, April 4.

The FA Cup, while Arsenal have not won a trophy since 2020, is clearly the lowest priority for Arteta, after the Premier League and Champions League.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will have an eye on Champions League (Image: PA)

Arteta will rotate as Arsenal face a demanding stretch of games with a Champions League quarter-final first leg against Sporting on Tuesday.

Then it's a Premier League clash with AFC Bournemouth, the European second leg and a potential title decider away at Man City by April 19.

Noni Madueke, Ebere Eze, Martin Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi are likely or definitely out with issues, while many others withdrew for fitness reasons.

These...