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Charlie Nicholas backs Arsenal to beat Southampton despite lucky Premier League win
CHARLIE NICHOLAS is backing his former club Arsenal to beat Southampton in the EFL Cup quarter-final tomorrow night (7.45pm).
Charlie Nicholas predicts Arsenal win over Southampton
Arsenal won 2-1 against Southampton in the Premier League at the start of September, but Nicholas believes the Gunners were lucky to take all three points.
The Emirates Stadium clash looked destined to finish 1-1 before Arsenal were handed a fortuitous penalty deep into stoppage time.
But former Arsenal striker Nicholas believes Southampton boss Claude Puel will field a weakened side in north London tomorrow night, while Arsene Wenger has better back-up players to call on.
Charlie Nicholas backs Arsene Wenger to come out on top again against Claude Puel
"Well this is an awkward one for Arsenal," Nicholas told Sky Sports.
"They were lucky in the league meeting to beat Southampton, who recorded a very good result on Sunday.
"I do think the Saints will make changes which will make them weaker, although I'm sure Claude Puel would love a result against his good friend Arsene Wenger.
Charlie Nicholas says Arsenal were lucky to beat Southampton last time after Santi Cazorla's penalty
"You look at the players Arsenal can bring in and Aaron Ramsey can come in, Alex Iwobi can come in and Olivier Giroud will also be desperate to earn back his starting berth.
"The difference in the quality of players coming in will be decisive for me here and I think Arsenal will be able to end November with a win."