Holding and Torreira to start: Strongest 4-2-3-1 Arsenal XI to face Watford

published

28/9/2018 1:15 AM

Predicted Arsenal XI to face Watford: Who starts for the Gunners?

After a tough start to the season, Arsenal have hit the ground running with four consecutive wins on the trot. Unai Emery’s men moved into the top six with an impressive 2-0 victory over Everton last weekend.

Although Emery made quite a few changes to the starting line-up, the Gunners continued their winning streak in the League Cup and beat Brentford 3-1.

Watford made a brilliant start to the season with four wins out of four. However, the Hornets lost 2-1 against Manchester United and were held to a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage last week. But Javi Gracia’s men are capable of giving the Gunners a run for their money when they make the trip to north London on Saturday.

Team News

Defenders Laurent Koscielny, Carl Jenkinson, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Sokratis are all out with injuries and will not be available for selection. Meanwhile, Sead Kolasinac was declared fit and he featured in the matchday squad for the League Cup game.

Predicted Arsenal XI to face Watford

Manager: Unai Emery

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Petr Cech (GK)

The veteran has come up with some good saves this season and should return to the line-up to replace new signing Bernd Leno.

Hector Bellerin (RB)

The Spaniard began the season shakily but has gradually grown in confidence and he must replace Stephan Lichtsteiner.

Rob Holding (CB)

The youngster looked quite solid in the second half after coming off the bench against Everton and should start in the absence of Sokratis.

Shkodran Mustafi (CB)

The German international has been sloppy at the back but Arsenal do not have other choices to replace him.

Nacho Monreal (LB)

The veteran Spaniard has come up with consistent performances this season and has contributed to the defence and the attack. He should retain his place.

Lucas Torreira (CDM)

The Uruguayan was a bit reckless against Everton but stamped his authority in the central areas of the park. Emery should hand him another start ahead of Matteo Guendouzi.

Granit Xhaka (CDM)

The Swiss international had a decent game last weekend and looked good with his passing, which should be enough to earn him a place in the starting XI.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan (RW)

He has been resourceful with his crossing and has supported the build-up play effectively in the final third. Emery should hand him a start ahead of Mesut Ozil, who has been shambolic, to say the least.

Aaron Ramsey (CAM)

The Welshman has adapted well to his new role behind the striker and must start on Saturday.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (LW)

The former Borussia Dortmund man got himself on the scoresheet against Everton but was rested for the League Cup tie, meaning he should be fresh to start on Saturday.

Alexandre Lacazette (ST)

The Frenchman has found his feet and Arsenal need him to continue combining effectively with Aubameyang to create the openings.