Prediction: Arsenal vs Watford

Verdict: Arsenal to win and both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/4

Bookmaker: Bet 365

Arsenal will aim on preventing a fourth consecutive Premier League loss when they entertain Watford on Sunday. We make our prediction on the clash at the Emirates.

Arsenal

Despite Arsenal’s 2-0 Europa League victory over AC Milan on Thursday, uncertainty still lingers over the future of manager Arsene Wenger. It is now three Premier League losses in a row, and not since 1995 have the Gunners come away empty handed in four consecutive games. It has been a terrible start to 2018, and they currently sit in 6^th place in the league, an incredible 13 points off the top four. Arsenal will be able to take some optimism from the fact that they have a decent record at the Emirates this season. Against teams from outside the top six, Wenger’s men have won all nine games, scoring a combined total of 28 goals. The Gunners hopes of automatically qualifying for next season’s Champion’s League now rests solely on their Europa League exploits. However, Wenger will be desperate to resurrect some domestic form, especially considering the fact that a lot of fans have been calling for his head for quite some time.

Team News

Arsenal are expected to recall Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who was ineligible for their Europa League victory on Thursday.

Sead Kolasinac and Calum Chambers are expected to be fit, despite suffering knocks in the midweek clash.

Watford

It has been a great turnaround of form for Watford since manager Javi Garcia took over the club in January. When the Spaniard was appointed, the Hornets were sitting four points above the relegation zone. However, fast forward two months and they find themselves sitting in the top-half of the league, an amazing nine points adrift of 17^th place. Watford have, in fact, won three of their last four games, but it is there away form that is a slight concern. They haven’t won on the road since November, and since then, they have lost seven of their past eight matches. Garcia will be able to take some heart from the fact that they have enjoyed success recently against the Gunners. Their previous two games have resulted in six points, and another victory on Sunday will mean they will certainly be safe for another season in the Premier League. Troy Deeney will be the main attacking threat, and if he’s on his game, then they will have a great chance of snatching something from the Emirates.

Team News

Even though midfielder Tom Cleverley has returned to training following a thigh injury, this game will come too soon for him.

Craig Cathcart, Younes Kaboul, Nathaniel Chalobah, and Isaac Success, are still injured.

Key Factors to Consider

• After winning their first seven Premier League games against Watford, the Gunners have lost their last two
• In all competitions, the Hornets have won four of their last seven away at Arsenal
• The Gunners haven’t failed to score in any of their last 11 games against Watford
• Meanwhile, Arsenal have conceded in each of their last 11 Prem matches
• The North Londoners have also lost their previous three league games

Conclusion

With Arsenal’s record against teams outside the top six being incredible at the Emirates this season, we can’t see anything other than a victory for the Gunners. However, their defence looks extremely fragile, and Watford could score at least once on Sunday.

Verdict: Arsenal to win and both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/4

Bookmaker: Bet 365