Southampton vs Arsenal as it happened: Theo Walcott hat-trick and Danny Welbeck brace sink Saints

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Arsenal travel to Southampton looking to make the FA Cup fifth round yet again, but come against a side brimming with confidence after they made the EFL Cup final this week.

The Gunners have needed to rely on late goals to earn them wins and draw in the Premier League and will not find it easy on the south coast.

Will Arsene Wenger's side progress, or can Claude Puel take a step closer to another Wembley final?

Kick-off time: 5.30pm on Saturday 28 January.

TV: Watch it live on BT Sport 2 from 5pm or catch the highlights on BBC1 at 10.30pm.

Alternatively, you can bookmark this page, which will convert into The Independent's live blog of Saturday’s match.

Danny Welbeck. Arsene Wenger hinted that the former Manchester United man is likely to play against Southampton as part of his rehabilitation from another long injury lay-off. If he can get through the game and look like he’s getting back to near his best then he could be like a new signing for the Gunners for the Premier League title run in.

Arsenal were hammered 4-0 at St Mary’s as the Saints tore Wenger’s team apart on Boxing Day 2015. It also featured a stunning goal from Cucu Martina and two disallowed goals for Southampton.

Shane Long. Long has been a constant threat to Arsenal in the past and scored the crucial goal on Wednesday night to end Liverpool’s hopes of taking the EFL Cup semi-final second leg to extra time.

Arsenal 0 Southampton 2 (Claise, Bertrand)

30 November 2016, League Cup 5^th round

Arsenal 2 (Koscielny, Cazorla) Southampton 1 (Cech o.g)

10 September 2016, Premier League

Arsenal 0 Southampton 0

2 February 2016, Premier League

All competitions

Southampton: DWLWWW

Arsenal: WWDWWW

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Southampton to win: 9/4

Arsenal to win: 6/5

Draw: 40/17

(from 888sport)

Hello and welcome to The Independent's live blog for Saturday's FA Cup fourth round ties.

First up, Liverpool face Championship side Wolves fresh from a disappointing end to their EFL Cup run at the semi-final stage. 

The Reds were taken to a replay by League Two Plymouth in the last round and Jurgen Klopp will be desperate to avoid another replay to add to Liverpool's already busy schedule.

The 3pm kick offs see Tottenham face Wycombe, Chelsea take on west London rivals Brentford and Manchester City's visit to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace, among others.

Arsenal travel to EFL Cup finalists Southampton in the day's final tie, which kicks off at 5.30pm. 

Jack Austin28 January 2017 11:10

Harry Winks: How Mauricio Pochettino showed his faith in me from the first moment we metThe IndependentHarry Winks will never forget the first moment he met Mauricio Pochettino. It was July 2014 and Winks, aged 18, was signing his first professional deal at White Hart Lane. He was with his father Gary, his agent, Tottenham academy chief John McDermott and football secretary Rebecca Britain. Then Pochettino walked in. “He came in and shook my hand,” Winks tells the story. “And he said, and I don’t know if he was being truthful or not, ‘I have seen your videos, and I told John to sign you up straightaway.’ I was gobsmacked at the gaffer just saying that.”

Charles Reynolds28 January 2017 11:15

Why #OperationEmptyEwood is the most important fan protest for yearsThe IndependentCast an eye over the first finals of the world’s oldest club competition, passing the several public school and university teams that dominated those early years, and you come across some more recognisable names. These are the clubs of the late-Victorian industrial north and Midlands, English football’s heartland, and up until 1891, one dominates.

Charles Reynolds28 January 2017 11:15

Arsene Wenger hints at first start for Danny Welbeck in seven monthsThe IndependentDanny Welbeck could make his long-awaited return to the Arsenal starting line-up as a replacement for Alexis Sanchez when Arsène Wenger’s side meet Southampton in Saturday’s FA Cup fourth round tie at St Mary's.

Charles Reynolds28 January 2017 11:16

Jurgen Klopp still plans to 'build a house' at LiverpoolThe IndependentJurgen Klopp has promised to finish “building the house” to bring long-term success to Liverpool, despite a recent run of form that has threatened to ruin their season. Klopp’s team have won just one of the seven league and cup matches they have played during January, a run that has significantly damaged their hopes of winning a trophy.

Charles Reynolds28 January 2017 11:16

We have 11 games coming up for you today, first is Liverpool v Wolves – team news coming as soon as we get it.

Charles Reynolds28 January 2017 11:27

Looks like a nice day in Liverpool...  

Charles Reynolds28 January 2017 11:35

TEAM NEWS! Liverpool v Wolverhampton Liverpool: Karius, Randall, Gomez, Klavan, Moreno, Ejaria, Lucas, Wijnaldum, Firmino, Origi, Woodburn. 

Subs: Milner, Coutinho, Sturridge, Mignolet, Can, Stewart, Wilson. 

Wolverhampton: Burgoyne, Coady, Stearman, Hause, Doherty, Edwards, Evans, Helder Costa, Saville, Weimann, Dicko. 

Subs: White, Batth, Mason, Lonergan, Bodvarsson, Enobakhare, Ronan. 

Referee: Craig Pawson (South Yorkshire) 

Charles Reynolds28 January 2017 11:40

Looks like it's all change for Liverpool, can Wolves spring an upset today? 

Charles Reynolds28 January 2017 11:42

Around 20 minutes to go until kick off now – time for the most important pre-match contest, the battle of the mascots...Only one winner here, it's clearly Wolfie the Wolves mascot. Liverpool's 'Mighty Red' remains one of the worst in football. 

Charles Reynolds28 January 2017 12:14

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