After a changed side demolished Southampton, the rested Arsenal stars will return for a game against an out of sorts Watford in a pseudo-North London Derby.
After some great performances at St Mary’s, Arsene Wenger will have some decisions to make,
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain was excellent in the middle – do you start him ahead of Aaron Ramsey? Meanwhile, Danny Welbeck is in form but was injured a long time – do you risk him or return to Olivier Giroud up top? Or do you go without a traditional number 9 and revert to Alexis Sanchez as striker?
Tactically, this game provides something different as Walter Mazzari likes to play a 3-5-2. The key here will be the wings, and their pace against a slowish defence. For this reason, a more offensive left back in Kieran Gibbs may be appropriate, while Theo Walcott should hopefully return on the right after a hat trick on Saturday.
Watford’s dangerman is naturally, Troy Deeney. Capable of creating something by himself (well, he’s not getting much service from his team) and almost a Drogba-like tendency to bully centre backs, he may prove an issue if Watford can string a few moves.
Another key battle will be Walcott against Watford’s makeshift left back (perhaps youngster Mason). Getting in behind on the right wing will be crucial to Arsenal offensive success.
