Arsenal have a good opportunity to earn three crucial points in their pursuit of Champions League football next season with a 'training ground' derby against Watford on Sunday afternoon.
Mikel Arteta's side haven't played since their thrilling 2-1 victory over Wolves when Nicolas Pepe and Jose Sa's last second own goal gave the Gunners the all important win on a cold and windy Thursday night at the Emirates.
With all other Top 4 contenders facing challenging opposition this weekend, the Gunners are looking to derail the Horns who did well to see off Manchester United to a goalless draw at Old Trafford last Saturday.
Roy Hodgson's side sit three points from safety albeit Everton having two games in hand. They will be without Ismaila Sarr however, who strained his muscle towards full time in the United game. Josh King and Emmanuel Dennis have terrorised some defences this season, and will be looking to do the same to Arsenal's which have been tested heavily over the course of the season.
The reverse fixture was early in the season and the Gunners came out on top, Emile Smith Rowe getting the only goal of the game with a low drilled effort sailing past Ben Foster. Bukayo Saka was denied a goal only ten minutes with VAR deeming it offside and Barcelona man Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's first half penalty was saved in good fashion by Foster.
Vicarage Road is not the easiest place to go, but Arsenal will be looking to continue their good run of form into the last 15 matches of the 2021/22 campaign, while Watford will be hoping to salvage some points in their fight for survival.
Team News:
- Watford are without Ismaila Sarr or William Troost Ekong who are both out with muscle strains.
- They will be boosted with the return of Kiko Femenía who is back in contention after picking up a knock before their trip to Manchester last weekend.
- Nikolas Nkoulou is not fit yet and is expected to return to full training imminently but will not be available for selection.
- Takehiro Tomiyasu is still a doubt with a leg injury, while Cedric Soares has been filling up his spot well and looks nailed on to start on Sunday.
- It will be a big choice for Arteta to make with Emile Smith Rowe back from COVID 19 and whether him or Gabriel Martinelli or even Nicolas Pepe will make the cut.
Predicted Lineups:
Watford: Foster, Kamara, Cathcart, Samir, Femenía, Sissoko, Louza, Cleverley, Joao Pedro, King, Dennis
Arsenal: Ramsdale, Tierney, Gabriel, White, Cedric, Partey, Xhaka, Saka, Ødegaard, Smith Rowe, Lacazette
How to watch and where:
Watford vs Arsenal kicks off at 2pm at Vicarage Road. The game is being broadcasted on Sky Sports Main Event & Premier League app. Sky subscribers can also live stream via the Sky Go app. If you are unable to do either, make sure to also check out Arsenal VAVEL for post-match analysis and more.