Why Arsenal Cannot Afford To Underestimate Morgan Schneiderlin This Weekend

While Arsenal are in stunning form of late, on Saturday they come against the stingiest defence in the entire Premier League in Mauricio Pochettino's Southampton. The Hampshire side have conceded just five goals all season and currently sit third in the table, just three points behind the Gunners who are sitting pretty at the top.

Arsenal fans may be expecting their side to roll over 'little' Southampton and continue their march towards the title, but it won't be plain sailing for the north London outfit.

Sitting in the middle of the Southampton side is Morgan Schneiderlin, who has been one of the most impressive holding midfielders in the country over the last year.

Alongside Victor Wanyama, who is starting to find his feet at his new club, it will be their job to stop the likes of Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla, an in my opinion they have every chance.

Southampton press as a unit, and when creative outlets are closed down quickly it can have a huge impact on their game, and not a positive one. Hassling Ozil when on the ball is the only real way to hinder his game, as given time and space he could rip just about any defence in world football open.

Schneiderlin has won over half of his tackles this season and 60% of his headers, while completing 87% of his passes, and in my eye holds the key to stifle Arsene Wenger's men.

Do no underestimate him, or Southampton.

 stats via Squawka.