Arsenal will look to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to ten games when they host Watford in the Premier League on Sunday.
After suffering their worst start to a top-flight campaign in over six decades, Mikel Arteta’s side have turned their fortunes around in spectacular fashion, climbing up to sixth. The north London club are now just three points adrift of West Ham United, who occupy the final Champions League spot.
The Gunners have dominated the recent head-to-head against Watford and are unbeaten against the Hornets in six games in all competitions.
The last time these two sides met, Arsenal ran out 3-2 winners thanks to a brace from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and a goal from Kieran Tierney.
Arsenal Team News
With no European football, Arsenal have had a whole week to prepare for this clash and are unlikely to make too many changes to the side that beat Leicester City last time out.
Granit Xhaka is the only major absentee, with the Swiss out until at least December due to injury. Kieran Tierney has missed the last three games in all competitions due to an ankle problem but he is nearing full fitness once again and could return to the lineup against Watford.
PREDICTED ARSENAL LINEUP vs WATFORD (4-4-2)
Goalkeeper
Aaron Ramsdale has been one of Arsenal’s best players this season. The English keeper has more clean sheets (5) than goals conceded this season (4) for the Gunners. He made a few stunning saves against Leicester City last time around and will retain his spot between the sticks.
Defenders
Takehiro Tomiyasu has had a fantastic start to his Arsenal career and has already cemented his spot at right-back ahead of Cedric Soares and Calum Chambers.
Gabriel and Ben White have formed a solid partnership at the heart of the Arsenal defence and will retain their spots in the Arsenal lineup.
If Kieran Tierney is passed fit, he could replace the exciting Nuno Tavares at left-back in the Arsenal lineup. Tavares has barely put a foot wrong when he’s deputised for the Scotland international and the two are likely to be locked in a healthy battle for the left-back spot going forward.
Midfielders
With Granit Xhaka unavailable, Albert Sambi Lokonga will partner Thomas Partey in central midfield as usual. The two controlled proceedings in the centre of the park against Leicester and should be able to do so once again against Watford, who do not have the greatest midfield in the Premier League.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup vs Watford
Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka have impressed in the wide positions for the Gunners in the last few games. Arteta might be inclined to give one of them a rest, though, with Nicolas Pepe coming into the side. Saka is the player likely to miss out.
Attackers
Alexandre Lacazette will partner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang upfront for the Gunners. The two have a great understanding on the pitch and link up well together.
Lacazette’s presence has kept Martin Odegaard out of the team, but with Arsenal continuing to rack up victories, that does not appear to be a problem.
