Arsenal will be looking to end their 2019/20 Premier League campaign on a positive note when they host Watford on Sunday. It is a dead rubber game for the home side, who can’t finish above top seven. For Watford, however, a win could be imperative if they are to survive the wrath of relegation, especially with Aston Villa drawing with Arsenal in the last game.
Predicted 3-4-3 Arsenal Lineup Vs Watford
Defence
Fans expect Shkodran Mustafi to return to full fitness by the weekend after picking up a knock against Manchester City. However, the German is unlikely to start against Watford, thus paving the way for Rob Holding to retain his role in the starting eleven.
The 27-year-old will partner the in-form David Luiz, as well as Kieran Tierney, forming the three-man Arsenal backline. Tierney, in particular, has proven himself to be a better bit at centre-back when compared to Sead Kolasinac while Sokratis is unlikely to feature despite being fit.
Meanwhile, both Pablo Mari and Calum Chambers have been ruled out, joining Mustafi in Arsenal’s potential list of absentees in the defensive department. Bernd Leno is also injured, meaning Emiliano Martinez is a guaranteed starter in between the sticks.
Midfield
Mikel Arteta gave Granit Xhaka a much-needed rest in the game against Aston Villa, although he did feature on as a second-half substitute. Nevertheless, the Swiss international will be hoping to be recalled to the starting lineup, forming the double-pivot of Arsenal’s 3-4-3 alongside the in-form Dani Ceballos, who could be playing his last Premier League game for the club.
Elsewhere, Arteta should once again make a rotation in the right wing-back role, with Hector Bellerin coming in at the expense of Cedric Soares. Ainsley Maitland-Niles performed well against Manchester City and will be hoping for a starting berth on the opposite flank, with Bukayo Saka making way. Kolasinac is another option, of course.
Attack
Eddie Nketiah was unlucky not to score a goal against Aston Villa in midweek. But, the youngster will most likely be leading the Arsenal attack this weekend, with Alexandre Lacazette getting a much-needed breather.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should also get a rest, thus paving the way for Saka to feature at left-wing, with Nicolas Pepe operating on the opposite flank. Reiss Nelson, unfortunately, is a doubt heading into this game.
