Relegation battling Watford welcome Champions League chasing Arsenal to Vicarage Road in a crunch Super Sunday clash.
Victory would see Watford climb above Burnley into 18th but stay in the relegation zone on goal difference, whereas Arsenal can go fourth for at least a few hours with a win.
Team News
Kiko Femenia is a doubt for Watford as he recovers from a knock which ruled him out of last weekend’s goalless draw at Manchester United.
Peter Etebo (fitness) is a doubt but Ismaila Sarr (thigh) joins Nicolas Nkoulou (hamstring) on the sidelines.
Arsenal will have Emile Smith Rowe available after he missed their last match through illness.
Takehiro Tomiyasu (calf) is unlikely to be available for selection.
Stat Attack
- Watford have claimed just one point from their last six meetings against Arsenal (D1, L5).
- Arsenal are unbeaten in five of their last six visits to Vicarage Road (W4, D1, L1).
- Watford have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 17 matches against Arsenal in all competitions (W3, D1, L13).
- Emmanuel Dennis has picked up more yellow cards than any other Watford player this season, having been booked seven times in 24 league appearances.
- No Arsenal player has made more substitute appearances in the Premier League this season than Nuno Tavares, who has made eight of his 14 league appearances as a substitute.
Prediction
Given how tricky it was for Watford to go to Man Utd last weekend, they did a cracking defensive job to snatch a draw with strong pressing and interceptions, complete with great saves but still lacked a clinical final touch to punish Utd when got on the attack.
Arsenal meanwhile come kick-off haven’t played in 10 days but having dominated Wolves with an attacking display last time out, I am expecting them to come here ready to deliver another dangerous performance and should definitely be on the front foot given their superior quality.
On that note, Watford simply have to repeat what they did at Old Trafford but better given Arsenal’s stronger attacking ability, otherwise I can see just one result coming at Vicarage Road.
Prediction: Watford 0-2 Arsenal
Result: Watford 2-3 Arsenal
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