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Predicted Arsenal lineup for Watford clash: Star man returns among 3 changes from Wenger

Predicted Arsenal Lineup To Face Watford In The Premier League

After a horrid run of form, Arsenal will be looking to make things right, as they host Watford in the Premier League this weekend.

The Gunners are coming on the back of three consecutive Premier League defeats, which has led to many criticisms regarding the temerity of head coach Arsene Wenger. That being said, however, their recent 2-0 win over AC Milan in the UEFA Europa League could definitely boost Arsenal’s confidence going into this game.

Watford, on the other hand, are also having a difficult period, which may drag them down to the second half of the league table. The Hornets have lost 6 of their last 7 Premier League games whilst failing to score in 5 of their last 7 away matches.

Team News

Arsenal are sweating on the fitness of a host of fullbacks, including Hector Bellerin, Nacho Monreal, Sead Kolasinac and Calum Chambers, all of whom are doubtful to feature against Watford this Sunday.

Star striker Alexandre Lacazette is sidelined, meaning Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will once again lead the line for the Gunners this weekend.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Arsenal head coach Arsene Wenger will likely persist with the 4-2-3-1 formation he used in the recent game against AC Milan. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who missed the 2-0 win over Milan, could return to the starting lineup this weekend, leading the charge from the front.

Probable Arsenal XI

Coach: Arsene Wenger

Petr Cech (GK)

Petr Cech will return in goal after gracing the bench against Milan in midweek. The Czech Republic international hasn’t really played to his full potential in the last few games and will, therefore, be eager to impress this weekend.

Rob Holding (RB)

With Hector Bellerin and Calum Chambers both missing, the onus will be on Rob Holding to replace them in the right-back position. Holding has appeared frequently, throughout the course of this season but starting as a fullback could definitely prove to be a big challenge for the youngster.

Shkodran Mustafi (RCB)

Arsenal’s defensive combination will remain the same, meaning Shkodran Mustafi will once again start in defence for the Gunners this weekend. It will be interesting to see how he fares against the definite threat of Richarlison.

Laurent Koscielny (LCB)

Laurent Koscielny will lead the backline for Arsenal this week. His experience coupled with his leadership qualities could be important as the Gunners look to get back to winning ways.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles (LB)

Youngster Ainsley Maitland-Niles will take up the responsibility in the left-back position, following the expected absence of Sead Kolasinac and Nacho Monreal.

Aaron Ramsey

Aaron Ramsey (CM)

Arsenal’s midfield department will remain unchanged, meaning Aaron Ramsey will be deployed as the central midfielder. Ramsey’s dynamism and flair in the final third could be useful as Arsenal look to exploit Watford’s defence this weekend.

Granit Xhaka (CDM)

Granit Xhaka will be deployed as the holding midfielder. The Swiss international could play a key role in Arsenal’s ball-distribution and overall build-up play whilst also taking the responsibility of covering the defensive backline.

Jack Wilshere (CAM)

Jack Wilshere is expected to retain his place in the starting lineup. The midfielder will appear alongside Aaron Ramsey and Granit Xhaka in the centre of the park.

Mesut Ozil

Henrikh Mkhitaryan (LW)

Henrikh Mkhitaryan had an excellent outing against Milan in midweek and will be hoping to continue that run this weekend as well. The Armenian has the dynamism and quality to make a difference in the final third.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST)

Gabonese superstar Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is set to return to action after missing the last game against Milan. Aubameyang has scored only one goal since moving to the Premier League earlier this year and will be eager to extend his tally this weekend.

Mesut Ozil (RW)

The onus will be on Mesut Ozil to provide the creative spark going forward. His linkup play with the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Aaron Ramsey will be important in helping Arsenal create opportunities against the Hornets this weekend.