Southampton vs Arsenal

Southampton. Saturday 13th October 2001

FA Carling Premiership

Preview

• Arsenal team news
  Dixon will be out for a while yet. Sol Campbell was said to be close to returning in time for the Derby game 2 weeks ago, so there's cause to be optimistic there. We could do with him, because Adams is out for 6 weeks following surgery on a stress fracture in his right foot, and Martin Keown is suspended for this match. While we've been impressed with Matthew Upson, having him partnered by either Grimandi or an only-just-fit Campbell does not inspire confidence.

  Seaman was close to being fit for the England game so it's a toss-up between him and Richard Wright in goal.

  If Seaman's not available, this could be the first time since December 1985 that we've started a game with none of the "Big 6" in the team. I should point out that I object most strongly to the "famous 5" appelation as it appears to ignore Steve Bould. The "Big 6" is of course: Seaman, Adams, Bould, Keown, Dixon, Winterburn.

  The last time none of these 6 started was also away at Southampton. We lost 3-0. See Arsenal.com for more including the full line-up from that day.

  Dennis Bergkamp's ankle injury is improving, but he'll probably not be risked what with the crucial Panathinaikos game coming up. Francis Jeffers is also doubtful, we've heard nothing on his progress since he pulled out of the England U21 squad to face Greece last weekend.

• Southampton team news
  Right-back Rory Delap missed the midweek Worthington Cup game through suspension, but would have been out anyway with a badly bruised foot. So he could be missing from the Arsenal game too although latets from the official Saints site is that he should be back.

  Moroccan centreback Tahar El Khalej has had a groin strain and Francis Benali a calf problem. So they're both doubtful which leaves the defence looking even more shaky following the departure of Dean Richard s to Tottenham.

  update Friday
  It's being reported that Campbell will start. Luzhny is out with an ankle injury picked up in the Ukraine match.

  update Thursday
  According to the official saints site, Benali should be back in contention along with Delap (who may need painkilling injections). El Khalej is still doubtful having aggravated his groin in training before the League cup game.

  skipper Jason Dodd returns to the starting line-up after injury, but is probably not yet fully match fit.

  update Friday
  It's now being reported that Benali is definitely out and Kevin Davies is doubtful with a dead leg. Anders Svensson (who scored for Sweden last week) is now another doubt with a groin problem.

  See Injuries and suspensions from the official Saints site (and news).

• non-UK TV coverage
  
  • Middle East: live on Art Sports 2. shown at Underground Pub in Eilat, Israel. (thanks to Andy Selby for the info)
  • US: tape delayed on Foix Sports World at 5pm EST/2pm PSR on Tuesday 16th October (thanks to Lawrence for the info)
  • For details, and countries not listed above, see the non-UK TV FAQ

• See also
  • NewsReel for latest and breaking news
  • Arsenal vs Southampton page for Southampton links, head-to-head stats, etc
  • AFCi for their preview

Your reports

• UK TV FAQ, including pubs list
• Non-UK TV FAQ, including channels, pubs lists, and country-specific info

• Arsenal Live. getting commentary on your computer, IRC, Real Audio, etc.
• Note also that often there will be an audio feed available from the opposition's website (most probably their official site).

• ArseWeb's highbury pages, including ticket info, getting to the ground, etc.
• AwayFans.co.uk. Stadium reviews and info. Maps, traffic reports, pub lists, info on disabled/wheelchair provisions, etc. Conference teams as well as Premiership and Nationwide.
• London football Arsenal page from a site focussing on info for fans from abroad wanting to get to matches (tickets, travel, accomodation, etc).
• From the Terrace. Each team's section includes a page on their ground, with directions. Premiership, Nationwide, and Scottish.
• AwayGuide.net. Directions, maps, pub guides. All Premiership and Nationwide league teams.
• Football Ground Guide. Lovely site, loads of info, pics, diagrams, etc
• Football Grounds of England. With capacities, record gates, and pictures.
• Football Grounds frenzy. Wonderful photos of football grounds, with a little info too. Everything apart from glitzy new grounds, and no Premiership ones. Might be handy for Cup games, and certainly nice to look at!
• FanZone. Information for travelling sports fans. directions, car parks, eateries, pubs, blah-de-blah....
• Our own Highbury pages for useful info for Arsenal's home games.