Prediction: Arsenal vs Watford

Prediction: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: 888sport

The Premier League returns once again this weekend for the final set of fixtures prior to the last international break of 2021. Every club from top to bottom will have different motives this week, whether it be wanting to carry momentum into the break or simply wanting to survive before regrouping and analysing how the season is going. On Sunday, two clubs who are heading in very different directions will meet as Arsenal host Watford at the Emirates.

Arsenal

The Arsenal that started the Premier League season and the Arsenal that we’re watching today are two completely different sides. Mikel Arteta deserves a lot of credit for being able to get this squad playing good, clean football again, as was the “Arsenal way” once upon a time. They’ve got a good structure through the middle of the park, they’re creative, and they aren’t afraid of going after teams – but maintaining that consistency could be a problem.

Team News

Xhaka is still on the shelf with a long term injury with Tierney still being a doubt due to an ankle injury.

Watford

Claudio Ranieri was never going to come in and completely turn things around in the space of a few weeks. Still, the win over Everton offers up cause for hope and optimism – two things that have been in short supply for the Hornets. They’ve got a squad capable of pushing away from the relegation scrap but it’s all about escaping that “loser” mentality. They’ve been a yo-yo club for a few years now and, clearly, a stable manager is something they sorely need.

Team News

Dennis is back after serving a one game suspension with Femenia being a fitness doubt. Elsewhere, the following players have been ruled out – Kabasele, Sierralta, Etebo and Sema.

Factors to Consider

• Arsenal are 6th in the Premier League whereas Watford are 16th.
• Arsenal have won four and drawn two of their last six games.
• Watford have won one, drawn one and lost four of their last six games.
• Arsenal have scored 12 goals and conceded four in their last six games.
• Watford have scored seven goals and conceded 13 in their last six games.

Conclusion

If this was at Vicarage Road then we could see more of a route to a positive result for Watford but it isn’t, so we can’t. We think they’re going to have some bright moments and aim for a defensive stand in the first half hour but eventually, Arsenal will just prove to be too much for them. The Gunners have confidence, a key attribute they’ve been missing in the last few years, and that’s why we think this’ll serve as a fairly convincing 3-0 win for the hosts.

Prediction: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: 888sport