A dreary international break lived up to its ‘interlull‘ status, a term coined by Arseblog. Luckily that ends this Saturday as Arsenal welcome pseudo-north London rivals Watford to the Emirates once again, eager for vengeance after an efficient performance put the Gunners out of the FA Cup in March.
Watford, for the most part, have confirmed their mid-table status in the Premier League, a fantastic consolidation on their part. It also results in the fact that they have very little to play for, and thus, little to lose. They are likely to line up in a similar fashion to last time, with combative midfielders breaking up play and looking to release Tory Deeney and Odion Ighalo up front. However, Arsenal are likely to be in a different state of mind coming into this game – a respectable performance against Barcelona before an excellent 2-0 at Goodison Park could launch Arsenal into a rich vein of form as they look to put pressure on Tottenham and Leicester.
The midfield two of Francis Coquelin and Mohamed Elneny is likely to remain, with the latter in very good form, while Alex Iwobi, having compelled defences with his directness, is likely to continue on the left wing. Arsenal appear to be solid enough at the back, and some of the interplay against Everton, especially the partnerships forming between Iwobi and Danny Welbeck, and Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, look promising. I would say we should easily sweep this game, but didn’t I do that last time?
Arsenal need to look out for Troy Deeney. Watford don’t score many, and with Ighalo out of form the burden has been on the captain, who has delivered aptly. He is likely to drop into the space between Arsenal’s defence and midfield, meaning either Coquelin or Elneny need to stick to him to prevent a centre back being pulled out of position.
The Gunners’ most dangerous player looks like Alexis Sanchez at the moment. Still looking for his scoring boots, he has managed to rack up three assists and a goal in the last five matches; his switch to the right wing seems to have reinvigorated him.
Team news
– A heap of good news for Wenger’s side as the medical room is close to clearing out. Petr Cech, Mathieu Flamini and Aaron Ramsey are very close to returning and should be back next week, while Tomas Rosicky and most importantly Jack Wilshere are in full training. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Santi Cazorla remain about a month away.
– Craig Cathcart should be drafted into the team as Joel Ekstrand remains a doubt, but the international break provided no fresh injuries for Watford.
Predicted XI
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Ospina; Bellerin, Gabriel, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin, Elneny; Alexis, Ozil, Iwobi; Welbeck
Watford (4-3-2-1): Gomes; Nyom, Britos, Cathcart, Ake; Behrami, Capoue, Watson; Deeney, Amrabat; Ighalo
