Arsenal return to action following the international break on Sunday with a trip to Vicarage Road and Watford. The Gunners are still dealing with some injury absentees, but they are edging closer to full fitness. The club will expect victory from this fixture but know it will not be straightforward.
Arsenal Hope to Take Three Points From Watford
Team News
Injuries to Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira over the international break had some fans worried. The two midfielders went off early during matches over the past week, leading to speculation over their availability.
However, head coach Unai Emery has confirmed that both players are fit and ready for action. The club has also recently welcomed back three faces to first-team training.
Long-term absentees Rob Holding, Hector Bellerin and Kieran Tierney are all back in full training. However, none are likely to be available for Sunday.
Holding has played with the U23s and Emery confirmed the defender could play for the first team in the next week. Meanwhile, Watford will be without Troy Deeney and Craig Cathcart is doubtful.
The biggest team news from Vicarage Road is, of course, their change in manager. Javi Gracia was let go after a slow end to last season and an even slower start to this.
Former Hornets boss Quique Sanchez Flores has returned to take charge. No doubt the players and fans will get a lift from this appointment after a disappointing start to the new campaign.
Prediction
Arsenal enter the match against Watford as favourites. This would have been more so the case if Gracia were still at Vicarage Road, but even the return of Flores shouldn’t swing the balance of power in the Hornets’ favour.
The Gunners have struggled defensively, as was expected, but their attack is even better than last season. Meanwhile, Watford will be without the talismanic Troy Deeney, who is known to be a big-game player.
This should be an exciting match for every fan, especially the neutral, with goals likely to come from both sides.
Predicted score: Watford 1-3 Arsenal
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