Mikel Arteta is unlikely to make any changes to the Arsenal lineup for the Watford clash, although Emile Smith Rowe will return to the matchday squad.
Mikel Arteta will look to keep his starting eleven intact for the clash against Watford, as the Arsenal manager eyes a consistent run of results. The trust put in the current choice of starters is immense and has produced results to the manager’s liking.
The only possible change could have been the inclusion of Takehiro Tomiyasu in the team, but the Japan international remains out with a calf problem. In his press conference ahead of the game, Arteta more or less confirmed Tomiyasu’s absence saying,”We are in the same place as last week, we still have a doubt over Tomiyasu but the rest I think are in a good place.”
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Cedric Soares will continue to start as the right-back following impressive performances in the absence of Tomiyasu. Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes will play as the two centre-backs – the preferred pairing for Arteta this season. Kieran Tierney will be the left-back against Watford.
Arteta also spoke glowingly about Ben White and his influence since joining Arsenal. The manager said, “He’s had a brilliant season. I think again what he’s done, how quickly he’s adapted, how quickly he’s been able to handle the pressure with the number that he’s wearing, with the price that we paid, with what we demand him to do. Straight away at his age, he’s been great.”
Thomas Partey will keep his place in the middle of the park alongside Granit Xhaka. The Ghanaian has been playing a different role at the base of the midfield. Meanwhile, Xhaka will likely continue to be deployed as a hybrid no. 8. Martin Odegaard will take up a similar role on the right side of the field.
Bukayo Saka remains the undisputed choice on the right side of the Arsenal front three, although Nicolas Pepe is surely pushing for a starting berth after an impressive cameo against Wolves. Alexandre Lacazette is likely to lead the line against Watford and wear the captain’s armband.
Although he may not make the starting XI, Emile Smith Rowe is back in the squad after recovering from a recent illness. Arteta will prefer to keep Gabriel Martinelli on the left side of the front three. Pepe and Eddie Nketiah will continue to provide support off the bench if needed, making the overall squad look stronger.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Cedric, White, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Lacazette
