Arsenal head to Watford on Monday night in hopes of overturning their recent away form. The Gunners have lost four of their last six away matches, including last weekend’s 2-0 defeat to Everton.
Unai Emery’s team defeated Napoli in midweek in the Europa League, 2-0. They must now face off with a well-rested Watford that haven’t played since last Sunday.
Watford advanced to the FA Cup Final with a dramatic come from behind win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the semifinal.
Gerard Deulofeu’s two goals led Watford back from the brink of elimination. However, the Spanish winger could miss out on Monday night’s game due to an ankle injury.
The Watford winger could be joined by full-backs Jose Holebas and Kiko Femenia. The duo is suffering from knocks that have them listed as ‘slight doubts’ currently.
If Holebas and Femenia cannot go, Arsenal wide players could have a field day at Vicarage Road. Emery will deploy speedster Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on the wing. The Gabon international has scored 17 goals this term.
Mesut Ozil found a place in Emery’s team against Napoli at the weekend. The German also scored a second half goal against Watford when the teams met back in September.
Arsenal centre-back Laurent Koscielny returned to the team against Napoli following time off due to injury. Koscielny’s absence left a large hole in Arsenal’s defence and they missed him in last week’s loss at Goodison Park.
While Koscielny should take his place in the centre of defence, midfielder Granit Xhaka is expected to miss out through injury. The Swiss international hasn’t played since returning from the international break.
Since Watford returned to the Premier League in 2016, they have defeated Arsenal twice in six meetings. Each game between the clubs has ended in over 2.5 goals except for one. Their only match to finish in under 2.5 goals occurred earlier this term.
In three of their six meetings since 2016, Arsenal have kept three clean sheets.
Despite Arsenal’s road woes, the Gunners will pick up a much-needed victory away from the Emirates. Arsenal are one point off of the Premier League top four.
A win and a Tottenham or Chelsea loss would enable the Gunners to return to the Champions League qualification places. Arsenal do need to fend off Manchester United, who sit in sixth place currently.
Emery’s team go into Monday night’s game having won against Napoli and looking strong. The Gunners will get another solid performance and defeat Watford in a game with over 2.5 goals scored.