Watford and Arsenal clash at Vicarage Road, with the hosts entertaining one of the Premier League’s big boys for the first time this season.
After their solid defensive performance at the Emirates, the Hornets will feel confident that they can hold their own against Arsene Wenger’s men but will be equally aware that the Gunners come into the game on the back of a thumping win over Manchester United.
With Arsenal’s array of international stars likely to be on show again and their record against lower Premier League sides, this, in theory, should be one-way traffic, but expect Watford to prove obdurate opposition.
The visitors are clear favourites though and would be disappointed not to build on that excellent Manchester United victory with another three points just north of the capital here.
Key Battle – Alexis Sanchez vs Allan Nyom
Alexis Sanchez’ performance against Manchester United was one of the best individual displays of the season so far and he will be hoping to back that up against inferior opposition this time around.
The Chilean international has scored five goals in his last two Premier League games, including a hat-trick at Leicester three weeks ago and he will be looking for a similar display here in a similar type of game.
Nyom has been one of the standout performers for newly-promoted Watford so far though and he will be hoping to add Sanchez to an impressive list of wingers that he has kept quiet so far this season.
Raheem Sterling and Jefferson Montero have been given no change by the Cameroonian in the first eight games of the campaign, and if Sanchez is in the same company on Saturday evening then the Hornets’ chances of getting a result will have massively increased.
Team News
Watford welcome back Swiss midfielder Valon Behrami from suspension, though there is still some concern over an injury to the midfield general. Ikechi Anya had to pull out of international duty with Scotland but should be fit. Jose Manuel Jurado remains out with a hamstring injury.
Arsene Wenger will be hoping that all his internationals come back fresh and firing and that the momentum they built up against Manchester United is restored. Per Mertesacker could be fit after missing out in the last month.
Head-to-Head
The two sides have met four times in the Premier League and the Gunners have won every single one of their meetings.
Wenger’s men are yet to concede to the Hornets on home turf in those two games, while they have conceded at Vicarage Road on each occasion but won the game.
Previous meeting
The two sides last met on Boxing Day in 2006, when a late goal from Robin van Persie put Arsenal up to third in the Premier League and hammered another nail into Watford’s coffin.
Gilberto Silva had put the Gunners in front in the 19th minute, but Tommy Smith hit back for the hosts shortly afterwards.
With the game poised at 1-1, van Persie cut in from the right-hand side and curled home to break Watford’s hearts.
Aidy Boothroyd’s side were destined for bottom place in the Premier League, while Wenger guided his side to a Champions League qualification position in the Premier League.
Prediction
Arsenal have a terrific record away to bottom half Premier League sides and we would expect to see them continue that run at Vicarage Road in front of the TV cameras.
If the Gunners are at their best then they will win the game and Watford must hope that they can be at 100% against an off-colour Arsenal if they are to take anything.
Watford 0 Arsenal 2
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