Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the match in the Premier League between Southampton and Arsenal. After Saturday's results, just four points separate third and seventh, and it means that Arsenal have a chance to make inroads in today's contest at St Mary's. Let's see who Mauricio Pellegrino and Arsene Wenger have selected in their respective starting lineups...

SOUTHAMPTON XI: Forster; Van Dijk, Stephens, Yoshida; Ward-Prowse, Hojbjerg, Romeu, Bertrand; Tadic, Redmond, Austin

SOUTHAMPTON SUBSTITUTES: McCarthy, Hoedt, Davis, Lemina, Boufal, Gabbiadini, Pied

ARSENAL XI: Cech; Koscielny, Mertesacker, Monreal; Bellerin, Xhaka, Ramsey, Kolasinac; Ozil, Sanchez; Lacazette

ARSENAL SUBSTITUTES: Ospina, Maitland-Niles, Coquelin, Wilshere, Iwobi, Welbeck, Giroud

Let's start with the Southampton side, with Pellegrino appearing to decide on a change in formation in order to match that of Arsenal's. It looks like Virgil van Dijk, Jack Stephens and Maya Yoshida may feature in a back three, although that isn't confirmed because it's unclear who would start at right wing-back. It's a case of wait and see with that one!

Pellegrino has made a total of four changes to his team, with Nathan Redmond the most notable inclusion after only beginning the draw with Bournemouth on the bench. Pep Guardiola will be pleased. Stephens is another who has been handed a start, with Wesley Hoedt only among the replacements.

Jeremy Pied and Steven Davis have dropped out of the team, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg joining Yoshida in coming into the starting lineup. Pied had been expected to play at right-back with Cedric Soares currently on the sidelines.

Those you have dropped out of the team are all on the bench, with Matt Targett the only player from last week who is not involved in the 18-man squad. Shane Long remains out of contention, too.

As for Arsenal, the main decision that Wenger had to make was who would replace the injured Shkodran Mustafi, and the Frenchman has opted to hand Per Mertesacker just a fourth Premier League start of the season, his first since the end of October when he featured against Swansea City.

The rest of the team effectively picks itself with Wenger being able to rest everyone else for the Europa League clash with BATE Borisov in midweek. Alexandre Lacazette starts after suffering no ill effects from playing against Manchester United last weekend after passing a late fitness test.

Perhaps the biggest team news as far as Arsenal are confirmed is the absence of Theo Walcott against his former club. The former Southampton trainee had a good game against BATE on Thursday and was seemingly being rested when he came off after 71 minutes, but the winger does not even feature in the 18-man squad. He will be hugely disappointed.

The decision comes as Wenger also opts against naming any defenders among the replacements. Calum Chambers is said to have picked up a knock in midweek but Rob Holding and Mathieu Debuchy both miss out. Ainsley Maitland-Niles is the most defensive-minded player on the bench.

We'll start our Southampton build-up by taking a look at Austin, who has finally started to win over Pellegrino. The forward had only made 10 substitute appearances ahead of the game with Everton but since then, he has managed three goals in 177 minutes of football. Talk about proving your point...

Staying with Austin and he has only played against Arsenal on two occasions - both for Queens Park Rangers - but he netted in each of those matches. However, he ended up on the losing side both times.

In general, goals continue to be a struggle for the Saints. They scored four times against Everton but that represented the third and final time this season where they have scored two or more goals in a match. In total, just 15 goals have been netted in 15 encounters.

Things are much better at the other end. In their last seven matches, only trips to Liverpool and Manchester City have resulted in Southampton conceding two or more goals. That said, they are without a clean sheet in six games.

Going back to looking at players and Sofiane Boufal is someone who continues to divide opinion. Everyone got a bit carried away with his wonder goal against West Bromwich Albion but despite the average displays which followed, he has found his feet again. An assist against City and a starring performance against Bournemouth have suggested that he is finally getting to grips with the Premier League, but whatever reason, Pellegrino has decided to keep him in reserve today. Expect to see him at some point in the second half.

A quick look at Fraser Forster, too. The goalkeeper has received a bit of criticism this season, but he boasts a fine record against Arsenal. The Englishman has conceded just five goals from five matches in the Premier League against the Gunners.

As it stands, Southampton possess the 12th best away record in the league, which means that the fact they only sit in the bottom half of the standings is down to their home form. Just three wins have come from eight matches, and failure to beat the likes of Swansea City, Watford and Burnley could really come back to haunt them at the end of the season. They are sitting just four points above the relegation zone.

Wenger has claimed that Arsenal are already out of the Premier League title race, but Pellegrino holds a different opinion. The Argentine feels that the Gunners still have every chance providing that they can remain in contention heading into the spring. Click here to see what he has to say.

Wenger has openly queried the kickoff time at St Mary's, but given the extent of his squad rotation in the Europa League, does he really have reason to complain? Probably not, but it's a talking point, with this game having to take place at midday to accommodate the Merseyside and Manchester derbies. Click here to see Wenger's words in their entirety.

Wenger will be grateful for being able to rest so many players this week in preparation for this clash because their away record this season is terrible. Just seven points have come from seven games, with defeats coming at Stoke City, Liverpool, Watford and Manchester City. They earned a respectable point at Chelsea but all in all, the North Londoners can do much better on their travels.

That said, Arsenal travel to the South coast looking spectacular in attack. Even in last weekend's 3-1 defeat to Manchester United, they created 33 chances. Even with just one goal coming in that game, the North Londoners have still netted 12 times in their 270 minutes on the pitch. The Southampton defence is going to be given a tough examination this afternoon.

Arsenal will be hoping that Sanchez can get back on the scoresheet. The Chilean missed out against United but before that, he had netted in three successive games. The attacker hasn't always been at his best this season but he remains crucial to Arsenal's hopes of a top-four place.

Despite excelling against BATE, it does not come as a surprise that Jack Wilshere remains on the substitutes' bench. The midfielder has been the star of Arsenal's Europa League campaign, but he remains on 65 minutes of action in the top flight. With Aaron Ramsey performing well of late and Ozil, Sanchez and Lacazette effectively picking themselves, it's a case of the Englishman having to bide his time.

PREDICTION! Arsenal may have been poor on the road this season, but we are backing an away win today. Southampton are likely to have some joy in the final third, but the Saints are going to struggle to keep out the visitors if their front three are on song. Arsenal to win 3-1.

HEAD TO HEAD! Today's meeting represents the 94th competitive match between the two sides, with Arsenal recording 48 wins in comparison to just 20 victories for Southampton.

Southampton have kept three clean sheets in their last six games with Arsenal but in the other three contests, Arsenal have prevailed. Last season was particularly one-sided...

After Arsenal ran out 5-0 winners in the FA Cup in January, Wenger's side earned a 2-0 triumph in the Premier League in May when Sanchez and Giroud scored at St Mary's. There's little doubt that Arsenal will be looking forward to playing at a ground where they have enjoyed themselves twice already this year.

The south coast has not been hit by the snow but it's still extremely chilly. The two sets of players and officials look cold as they make their way onto the pitch at St Mary's. A fast start to this game will sort that out...

A reminder of the team news...

SOUTHAMPTON XI: Forster; Van Dijk, Stephens, Yoshida; Ward-Prowse, Hojbjerg, Romeu, Bertrand; Tadic, Redmond, Austin

ARSENAL XI: Cech; Koscielny, Mertesacker, Monreal; Bellerin, Xhaka, Ramsey, Kolasinac; Ozil, Sanchez; Lacazette

KICKOFF! Arsenal get us underway.

First of all, let's clarify the Southampton formation. They have started with a 4-4-2 with Stephens at right-back. Van Dijk and Yoshida are in the centre.

Wow. What a start for Southampton! Tadic breaks clear from midfield and after playing a reverse pass through to Austin who has advanced behind the defence, the forward does the rest with a neat finish past Cech from 12 yards.

© Offside

CHANCE! My word, it should be two! Austin breaks clear of the defence but with only Cech to beat, the striker's low effort is saved - and held - by the veteran goalkeeper. Arsenal are all over the place at the back.

Tadic playing off Austin has completely confused Arsenal. Mertesacker does not know whether to sit back or step out to deal with the playmaker. This 4-4-2 is working wonders.

Austin strikes the post after a brilliant low cross from Bertrand, but he is half a yard offside. Again though, this Arsenal defence. All. Over. The. Place.

Arsenal are still having time on the ball and are probing in and around the penalty area but as soon as they lose the ball, you expect Southampton to break and create a chance. They always seem to have one extra man.

The Southampton supporters are cheering every touch. St Mary's is rocking right now. They've been deprived of this kind of start against big teams over the last year or so. They are certainly going to make the most of this.

Over the past few minutes, Arsenal have started to enjoy more of the ball, as well Southampton's threat drying up a bit at the other end. Nothing to be alarmed about just yet, but the momentum is swinging slightly.

CHANCE! Arsenal's first opportunity comes through Lacazette, who turns sharply inside the box and gets a shot away from 12 yards. However, it's straight at Forster, who claims at the second attempt.

After a Southampton corner, Arsenal break with three on one and it appears inevitable that they will equalise. However, Ozil and Lacazette over-play it and Hojbjerg gets back to make the challenge.

I must admit, I did not expect such an open, competitive game. The different formations is owing to that and long may it continue! However, I think there will be a point in the game when Pellegrino changes things up because gaps are starting to appear at the back.

Having said that, Southampton are switching to five at the back when they are on the edge of their own box. Ward-Prowse is moving to right-back with Stephens moving inside.

You feel as though it's important that Southampton reach half time with a lead. The tables are really starting to turn and an equaliser for Arsenal could soon lead to another. Bellerin and Kolasinac are getting further forward.

Austin decides to take it upon himself to put pressure on the Arsenal defence and he is rewarded with a throw-in. You have to wonder why it took so long for Pellegrino to realise what the forward brings to this team.

Ward-Prowse is one of English football's best technicians from set pieces and two inswinging crosses cause problems for Cech, who just about manages to get a full punch on the ball. This is better from the Saints.

Southampton are now on the front foot and Arsenal look likely conceding a second. Crosses are being whipped into the penalty area and Xhaka is fortunate not to put the ball into his own net.

CHANCE! This is such a good game. A low cross finds Ramsey on the penalty spot and the midfielder's first-time effort appears destined for the bottom corner. However, Forster flings out a hand and Southampton survive.

Another chance almost falls to Arsenal - this time for Ozil - but Romeu gets back to take the ball off his foot when he was about to shoot from the edge of the area.

Sanchez hasn't really been in this game but he is only one piece of magic from having an impact. A floated pass from the Chilean almost finds the run of Bellerin, but Bertrand gets a touch before the right wing-back can get an effort on goal.

As we alluded to earlier, reaching the break with a lead is crucial for Southampton. They can't let all this hard work go to waste. So far, it's undoubtedly been their best showing of the season.

A header from Cech has just reached the halfway line! Tony Adams would have been pleased with this clearance from the edge of the penalty area.

CHANCE! Another opportunity for Arsenal, which is almost identical to Ramsey's opening from earlier. The angle is not as good, however, and Lacazette fires over the bar.

This match isn't end to end per-se, but it's not far off. Austin drifts out into a wide position and plays a teasing cross towards the back post for Ward-Prowse. However, Kolasinac gets back in time to get the ball away.

There will be one-minute of added-on time.

The half-time whistle goes at St Mary's and Southampton survive to hold a 1-0 lead at the break. The goal came as early as the third minute through Austin and since then, the Saints have put in one of their best 45 minutes of the campaign. Can they match their efforts in the second half?

Austin's goal came thanks to the work of Tadic, who broke clear of the Arsenal midfield and fed the ball through to his teammate, who did the rest with a composed finish from 12 yards. Austin now has fifth goals for the season. It's just his third start.

Southampton have created more opportunities but Arsenal should probably be level. They have wasted a three-on-one situation on the counter and Ramsey has failed to score from no more than 12 yards out.

Wenger will probably wait before making changes but it won't be long before the likes of Welbeck and Giroud are considered should the scoreline remain the same. Even Wilshere may get an outing before too long.

The two teams have made their way back out at St Mary's - Arsenal a lot more urgently than the Saints. No changes from either manager.

KICKOFF! We are back underway.

Arsenal are looking to set the tone at the start of this second half. Already, Southampton are being pushed back. They can't afford to sit too deep.

The Gunners are hunting in packs, determined not to give Southampton any time on the ball. Even when it reached the halfway line, Austin was forced to go backwards. Sings of intent from Wenger's men.

This is simply attack versus defence, with each of Southampton's 10 outfield players in their defensive third. They really cannot afford to play like this for much longer. The pressure is intensifying.

SHOT! Much better from the Saints who break forward through Redmond. The winger plays a one-two with a teammate before getting a shot away on the edge of the area, with the 25-yard strike going straight at Cech.

These last few minutes have been much more encouraging from Southampton. They are finally showing ambition to score a second rather than trying to defend a one-goal lead. This game is very much in the balance.

After a spell of Arsenal pressure, Southampton clear into touch and Pellegrino brings down the ball with minimal fuss. That got a cheer.

Arsenal win a corner on the left and after it is only half-cleared, Xhaka's volley needs to be blocked. The ball entered the area for a third time in quick succession but Forster was able to claim.

Missed opportunity for Southampton. Redmond fails to play in Austin when he is free and his eventual pass to Tadic sees the counter-attack slow down. They should have capitalised on that situation.

WOODWORK! Romeu is not known for his goals but he has just sent a 20-yard strike towards the top corner, with the ball hitting the crossbar and going over the bar. I don't think Cech was saving that.

SUBSTITUTION! Wenger makes his first change, with Welbeck replacing Mertesacker. Change in formation for the Gunners.

CHANCE! That was THE chance. Gaps are starting to appear in the Arsenal defence and Southampton exploit that with Tadic playing in Bertrand. The wideman gets ahead of Koscielny and only has Cech to beat, but his shot goes wide of the far post.

SHOT! After a corner is only half-cleared to the edge of the box, Monreal decides to take the shot on, with his left-foot curler going a yard or two wide.

SUBSTITUTION! Arsenal's second switch sees Wilshere replace Xhaka in the centre of the park.

Less than 20 minutes to go now and Arsenal really need to up the ante. Southampton have come closest to a second rather than Arsenal looking like finding an equaliser. Time for the final alteration...

SUBSTITUTION! It's Lacazette who is going to make way, with Giroud coming on in his place.

SUBSTITUTION! Southampton's first change sees Boufal introduced for Redmond, who looks shattered.

Southampton have reverted to putting everyone behind the ball in their defensive third. Austin is putting in a right shift for his team. He is another Saints player who looks exhausted.

BOOKING! This is class from Boufal. He wrong-foots Bellerin and bursts clear of the right-back, and the Spaniard has little option but to make the foul.

Arsenal force the ball out wide and it leads to Bellerin's poor cross being deflected out for a corner, which is easily cleared. Time is running out for the Gunners.

BOOKING! Stephens goes into the book for time-wasting. Wenger had been in the ear of the referee about it, so it's not a surprise.

BOOKING! Romeu goes flying into a tackle on Wilshere on the edge of the area and it's an easy decision for the referee. Sanchez and Ozil are standing over the ball in a central position from 25 yards out...

SHOT! It's Sanchez who takes it and Forster is able to punch the ball clear after reading the forward's shot.

SUBSTITUTION! Off goes Austin to a standing ovation. He has been superb. On comes Gabbiadini.

Disaster for Southampton. Sanchez sends in an inswinging cross for Giroud to glance the ball into the far corner with his head from eight yards. Not a lot that Southampton could do about that.

BOOKING! Wilshere goes into the book for a lunge on Gabbiadini. Southampton have also thrown on Davis for Tadic.

There will be four minutes of added-on time.

If anyone is going to score a second, it will be Arsenal. It feels like they are going to create one final chance.

The full-time whistle goes at St Mary's and both teams are forced to settle for a point. It's not ideal for either side but it is probably a fair result all the same, even though Southampton wasted chances to go further ahead earlier in the game. Arsenal now sit in fifth place with Southampton moving into 10th position.

That will be all from Sports Mole for this game. Thank you for joining us and we hope that you can stick around for the Merseyside and Manchester derbies which are to come.

If you would like to read our on-the-whistle match report, you can do so by clicking here. Goodbye for now.