Arsenal will make the trip to Vicarage Road on Sunday and take on Quique Sanchez Flores’ Watford side.
The Gunners have made a decent start to their campaign, but there is still a lot of room for improvement. Watford, meanwhile, are rock-bottom in the league standings and it goes without saying that
Unai Emery’s side will fancy their chances against Watford, who have made the worst possible start, and recently sacked Javi Gracia to bring back Flores.
Arsenal Team News
Rob Holding is back in full training, and his comeback will be a massive boost for the Arsenal defence. He is expected to be in the squad this weekend.
Meanwhile, Hector Bellerin is continuing with his rehabilitation, and is expected to participate in full training soon. Kieran Tierney and Konstantinos Mavrapanos are also progressing well and are back in full training.
However, striker Alexandre Lacazette is facing ankle issues and after assessments, it has been concluded that he will only be back in action next month.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup Vs Watford (4-3-3)
Defence
Bernd Leno is set to start between the sticks as usual. The German custodian is the undisputed first-choice shot-stopper for Arsenal at the moment.
Sokratis and David Luiz are likely to be the central defensive pairing. Being a senior defender, Luiz must improve his performances to keep his place in the starting lineup.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Sead Kolasinac could get the nod to start as the full-backs. The duo have to be industrious down the flanks against the Hornets.
Midfield
Granit Xhaka has committed 7 errors leading to goal since the start of the 2016-17 season. Xhaka has to refrain from making fouls and needs to keep his instincts in check.
Alongside Xhaka, Matteo Guendouzi could start in midfield. The young Frenchman showed against Tottenham that he can play the final pass as well, and if he can further improve his game, he could become a key player for Arsenal this season.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid loanee Dani Ceballos could get the green light to start in the number 10 role. He will need to unlock Watford’s defence, who are likely to play a deep in their own half.
Attack
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has already plundered 3 goals in 4 league outings so far. He is expected to start up top in the absence of Lacazette, with Reiss Nelson likely to be given a chance to start from the left-wing.
Nicolas Pepe has been a breath of fresh year for the north London based outfit, having already created 6 chances and registered 15 take-ons in 4 league games, and he should keep his place on the right-wing.
The manager and the fans will hope that Pepe can finally break his duck in the Premier League against Watford.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored
