Arsenal will take on Watford this weekend at the Emirates stadium to extend their unbeaten run in the league since their 5-0 defeat against defending champions Manchester City. After a win against the Foxes last week, Mikel Arteta will aim to get another 3 points from this game in front of the home supporters. Watford players are still adapting to new life under manager Claudio Ranieri and Arsenal will hope to take full advantage of that on Sunday.
7 games unbeaten in the league after a difficult start to the campaign has made the Arsenal fans believe in doing well in the Premier League this season after a few disappointing seasons. Arteta will look to play 4-4-1-1 again which have got wins for him vs Villa and Leicester with Lacazette starting behind the main man Aubameyang.
Let’s look at how Arteta will shape his team vs Watford on Sunday.
Defence
Aaron Ramsdale will be in goal after his terrific performance at the King Power Stadium last week. His shot-stopping ability has helped him keep 4 cleansheets in just 7 games this season and his ball-playing skills along with the ability to find a direct pass bypassing the opponent midfield has been crucial to Arsenal’s build-up play.
Ben White and Gabriel will start at the heart of the defence as they both look comfortable playing alongside each other and has been a key to Arsenal’s strong defensive organization. Nuno Taveres will keep his LB place after putting in impressive performances in the last 2 games. Tomiyasu will start in the RB position.
Midfield
With Xhaka suffering a long term injury the load of the midfield heavily lies on Thomas Partey who has had a good start this season in the middle of the park. New signing Tambi Lokonga will start alongside him as they slowly try to build a strong midfield partnership for Arsenal.
2 goals and 1 assist in his last 2 games means Arteta will again rely upon his young sensation Emile Smith-Rowe to deliver some attacking returns from the LM position. Bukayo Saka will also start on the opposite wing as he and Smith-Rowe will look to support the experienced attacking players when they face Watford who might defend deep in the hope of earning a point this week.
Attack
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will lead the line and behind him will be Alex Lacazette who has looked much lively in Arsenal’s last few games. Aubameyang has scored 4 and assisted once in Arsenal’s last 7 games and he will look to lead the team from the front this weekend.
