Nicolas Pepe 

The Ivorian scored a superb goal against Brighton on Saturday which will fill the club-record signing with confidence ahead of the trip to St Mary’s. 

Arteta must allow Pepe to drift infield more often to get the best out of him, rather than leaving him stuck on the touchline and unable to impact the game. 

With seven goals and eight assists in his first season at the Emirates, the former Lille man will be keen to hit double figures in both tallies before the season’s end. 

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 

Another player desperate for a goal will be Arsenal’s captain. 

Aubameyang can reach 50 Premier League goals in just 78 games with a strike against the Saints, and he would become the sixth-fastest player to reach that tally in the competition's history.

But if the Gabon hitman draws a blank, he would go four league games without a goal for the first time since November 2014. 

Arteta will also be keen to see his star man return to goalscoring form and help the Gunners to a much-needed victory. 

Bukayo Saka 

The versatile youngster starred in a new central midfield role against Brighton, and he will be looking to drive Arsenal forward once again on Thursday. 

Saka has been a standout performer in a tough season for the Gunners, and the club are keen to tie down the 18-year-old. 

Arteta revealed he is confident a deal can be agreed, and he will hope to see another fine display from the Englishman against Southampton.