Southampton vs Arsenal prediction

Arsenal are top of the Premier League for a reason, and that quality gap should shine through even with Arteta rotating his squad for this FA Cup quarter-final. Yes, they've got injury problems — Rice, Saka, Saliba all missing — but they're still fielding players who'd walk into most Championship sides. Southampton's 14-game unbeaten run sounds impressive until you remember they're playing Championship football while Arsenal are nine points clear at the top of the Premier League. The Saints beat Fulham to get here, but Arsenal are a different beast entirely. St Mary's will be bouncing and cup football can throw up surprises, but Arsenal have won this competition 14 times. They know how to get over the line in these situations, even away from home. The market has this about right — Arsenal should win but it won't be straightforward. I'd take the Gunners to advance but expect Southampton to make them work for it.