Arsenal will look to take another step towards Champions League qualification by picking up their fourth straight away win in the Premier League when they visit the struggling Watford on Sunday.
The Gunners’ uptick in form has seen them move to within two points of Manchester United with three games in hand. Mikel Arteta’s side are now among the favourites to secure a top-four spot and return to the Champions League for the first time since 2016-17.
Arsenal have beaten Watford in five of their last six meetings in all competitions, including a 1-0 win in the reverse fixture back in November.
Watford, meanwhile, have lost seven consecutive matches at Vicarage Road to slip to 19th in the table.
Arsenal Team News
Mikel Arteta has almost a full squad at his disposal, with Takehiro Tomiyasu the only doubt for this clash as he continues to battle a calf injury.
Emile Smith Rowe has recovered from illness and is in contention to start, as is Nicolas Pepe, who impressed after coming off the bench against Wolves last time out.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Watford
Goalkeeper
Aaron Ramsdale has been Arsenal’s most consistent player this season. The England goalkeeper has kept 11 clean sheets in the league.
Defenders
Tomiyasu is unlikely to be risked for this game even if fit, meaning Cedric Soares should retain his spot at right-back. The Portuguese has done well in Tomiyasu’s absence and is a threat going forward.
The rest of the defence picks itself. Kieran Tierney will continue at left-back, while Ben White and Gabriel reprise their partnership in central defence.
Midfielders
Predicted Arsenal Lineup vs Watford
Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka have gelled well in recent weeks and Arteta is unlikely to tinker with that central midfield combination. Partey, in particular, has clicked into gear, showing exactly why Arsenal shelled out £45 million to sign him from Atletico Madrid last summer.
Xhaka, meanwhile, has excelled in a more advanced role in the last few games.
Martin Odegaard is by far Arsenal’s most creative player and he will continue in the No. 10 role. The Norwegian’s vision and passing range will be key against a Watford side that will likely sit back and absorb pressure.
Emile Smith Rowe is fit again and could replace Gabriel Martinelli on the left side of midfield. Smith Rowe is Arsenal’s top scorer this season with nine goals in the league.
Nicolas Pepe had an outstanding game against Wolves after coming off the bench, scoring the equalizer and playing a part in the winner. The Ivorian has struggled to get regular game time this season, but might just be handed a start in place of Bukayo Saka on the right.
Attackers
Alexandre Lacazette will lead the line for Arsenal once again. The Frenchman has not scored in eight games, but it was his deflected pass that was turned in by Wolves keeper Jose Sa to give the Gunners three vital points in their last game.