Arsenal's upturn in form has given them a realistic chance of finishing the season strongly, even if manager Arsene Wenger admits that finishing in the top four remains unlikely.
The Gunners have won their last five matches in all competitions and their imperious home form has seen them lose just two of their last 23 league matches at Emirates Stadium.
Relegation-threatened Southampton have recorded just one win in their last 18 league games, but may take hope from their surprise 2-0 victory over the Gunners last season.
Wenger's side look all but certain to reach the Europa League semi-finals after an impressive 4-1 win over CSKA Moscow on Thursday and could decide to rest a number of players ahead of the return leg in Russia next week.