Arsenal host Watford at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday knowing that only a win could keep them inside the title chase. Moreover, the Gunners will also have revenge in their plans as Watford knocked them out of the FA Cup three weeks ago. Watford won 2-1 on that occasion, scoring with their only two shots on target. The reverse league fixture at Vicarage Road was won by Arsenal 3-0. Watford have not beaten Arsenal in a league match since 1988.
Arsenal are 11 points behind leaders Leicester City and 6 points behind second-placed Arsenal, but with a game in hand. That game in hand, coupled with a win against Watford and an eventual slip-up from the two teams above them in the table could inject hope and enthusiasm in Arsene Wenger's men for the last few games of the season. But before thinking about the title the Gunners should also think about securing their Champions League spot, as Manchester United and West Ham are just five points behind. Petr Cech could return from injury after five matches on the sidelines, while Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky have returned to training. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Santi Cazorla are still out, along with Mathieu Flamini and Aaron Ramsey.
Watford don't have much to lose on Saturday, they are pretty much safe from relegation with an 11-point cushion over Sunderland. However, they are coming from three consecutive league defeats and a fourth might place them into a dangerous downward spiral. They also need some confidence ahead of an important FA Cup clash as they play Crystal Palace in the quarter-finals at Wembley at the end of April. Sebastian Prodl, Valon Behrami and Joel Ekstrand are in doubt, while Rene Gilmartin and Tommie Hoban will surely miss out.
Probable line-ups:
Arsenal: Cech - Bellerin, Gabriel, Koscielny, Monreal - Elneny, Coquelin - Sanchez, Ozil, Welbeck - Giroud
Watford: Gomes - Nyom, Cathcart, Britos, Ake - Jurado, Amrabat, Suarez, Capoue - Deeney, Ighalo
My prediction: Arsenal to win 3-1.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Arsenal win - 1.36 Draw - 5.25 Watford win - 10.00
sharpe 7 years ago
It was finally a convincing Arsenal win and guess the news for Wenger contract extension for the next season had some effect over their good performance. It was an important win not only to save them any kind of chances for the title but also to keep distance in the table from the teams coming from behind. Obviously the...
It was finally a convincing Arsenal win and guess the news for Wenger contract extension for the next season had some effect over their good performance. It was an important win not only to save them any kind of chances for the title but also to keep distance in the table from the teams coming from behind. Obviously the title chances are only theoretical now and there's have to be a lot of mistakes from both frontrunner's in the standings.
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jakablazic 7 years ago
Arsenal is again playing at Emirates against Watford but this time in Premiership. Arsenal has got some chances to win Premiership but they are very thin. This game is must win for them, even if they manage to win a lot of other results must go in their favour to be considered as title candidates. Hard-fought 2-1 win for...
Arsenal is again playing at Emirates against Watford but this time in Premiership. Arsenal has got some chances to win Premiership but they are very thin. This game is must win for them, even if they manage to win a lot of other results must go in their favour to be considered as title candidates. Hard-fought 2-1 win for Gunners.
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