Prediction: Watford vs Arsenal

Prediction: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: 888sport

The Premier League returns once again this weekend as we prepare to enter March’s slate of fixtures. There are just a few months remaining in the season and while it may seem obvious to see how things are going to go at both ends of the table, it’s rarely easy to tell until we get into the final eight-game stretch. With that in mind, it’s time to take a look at what should be a fascinating encounter between Watford and Arsenal.

Watford

Watford have once again cycled through a few managers and once again, they’re staring at the very real possibility of relegation to the Championship. They’ve got a few players who can cause legitimate problems for just about anyone in the league, but when you take a step back, it does feel as if they lack that all-round unity that could turn them into a side pushing away from the threat of the drop zone.

Team News

Femenia and Etebo are both viewed as fitness doubts for Roy Hodgson whereas Nkoulou, Sarr and Rose have all been definitively ruled out.

Arsenal

Arsenal have one of the youngest teams in the Premier League and by default, one of the youngest in the top European leagues. Mikel Arteta has been entrusted with getting this club back to the big time and while they’re still a fair distance away from their glory days, simply getting back into the Champions League would mark a real turning point after everything they’ve been through since the late-Wenger days.

Team News

Nketiah and Pepe will both be pushing to start but Smith Rowe and Tomiyasu are fighting to be fit and feature in the matchday squad.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in November, Arsenal beat Watford 1-0.
• Watford have won one, drawn two and lost three of their last six games.
• Arsenal have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
• Watford have scored two goals and conceded seven in their last six games.
• Arsenal have scored five goals and conceded four in their last six games.

Conclusion

Watford are devoid of confidence and Arsenal are brimming with it – but in front of a lively Vicarage Road crowd, we expect to see the Gunners struggle under the pressure that they’ll be faced with. We don’t think the home side will hold back given their dire and desperate position in the league, but in the end, Arsenal will have enough to edge past the Hornets with a 1-0 win.

Prediction: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: 888sport