Southampton vs Arsenal FA Cup Quarter-Final: Complete Viewing Guide
Arsenal aim to bounce back from recent cup disappointment as they face Southampton in a crucial FA Cup quarter-final clash this weekend. The Premier League leaders, still reeling from a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final last month, travel to the south coast seeking to advance in their pursuit of silverware for the 2026 season. Despite that setback, Mikel Arteta's side maintains a strong position in the league and Champions League, with their FA Cup campaign so far proving straightforward against lower-tier opponents Portsmouth, Wigan Athletic, and Mansfield Town.
Match Details and Broadcast Information
The fixture is scheduled for Saturday 4 April at St. Mary's Stadium in Southampton, with kick-off set for 8pm BST. For viewers in the UK, the match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 7.30pm. Additionally, the game will be available for streaming on HBO Max, the new platform that has replaced Discovery+ for the broadcaster. Subscribers can access HBO Max by logging in with their existing TNT Sports credentials, ensuring seamless viewing for fans.
Team News and Injury Updates
Southampton, currently sixth in the Championship and unbeaten in 14 matches, received a boost with forward Leo Scienza potentially returning from a groin issue. Defender Welington is also likely available despite a muscular problem, while Jay Robinson remains a doubt with a quad injury. However, the Saints will be without Mads Roerslev for the rest of the season due to a serious Achilles injury.
On the Arsenal side, manager Mikel Arteta has withdrawn 10 players from international duty amid injury concerns. Noni Madueke will miss the game with a minor knee issue, and Mikel Merino is out for the season with an ankle injury. Eberechi Eze is also unlikely to feature after being ruled out before the international break. Key players like Martin Odegaard, William Saliba, Gabriel, and Leandro Trossard are doubts due to minor niggles, while Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were pulled from the England squad with small injury issues.
Predicted Line-ups and Match Context
Southampton's possible starting XI includes Peretz in goal, with Bree, Harwood-Bellis, Wood, and Manning in defence, and Downes and Fellows in midfield. Jander, Azaz, and Scienza could support forward Larin. Arsenal might field Arrizabalaga in goal, with Salmon, Mosquera, and Calafiori in defence, and Dowman, Norgaard, Havertz, and Martinelli in midfield. Saka and Trossard could lead the attack alongside Jesus.
This match represents Arsenal's toughest FA Cup challenge yet, as Southampton look to continue their impressive form, having defeated Premier League side Fulham 1-0 in the previous round thanks to a stoppage-time penalty from Ross Stewart. Fans can expect a competitive encounter as both teams vie for a spot in the semi-finals.
