Premier League Preview: Gunners Should Beware Hornets Sting

Arsenal vs Watford FC

It’s not exactly how Arsenal wanted to go into this fixture.

There is a serious threat hanging over the future of one of their star players, Aaron Ramsey. He is the club’s longest serving player and, presumably, a midfielder who new boss Unai Emery is hoping to build his own team around.

Still, it’s been a productive few weeks for the club as Emery attempts to create a side in his own image after the Arsene Wenger dynasty.

Talking Points

Last weekend’s Premier League victory over Everton was their fourth in a row. And it was, in SBOBET’s parlance, effectively decided by three explosive minutes.

Everton were the better side in the first half. Unfortunately, the Toffees were met by a resistance led by veteran goalkeeper Peter Cech — who has been in for some tough criticism in the early weeks of the campaign. However, most Premier League 2018 highlights packages will still feature fine saves from the Czech international. And I believe he still deserves his starting place ahead of new recruit Bernd Leno.

It is now six consecutive victories for Unai Emery in all competitions, on top of four straight league wins. Despite a fragile centre and vulnerability in which the visitors have capitalised on before, Arsenal will start as firm favourites at home to opponents who are a point ahead of them in the table.

As far as team news is concerned, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Sokratis Papastathopolous are facing fitness tests for Arsenal. Watford might be without Christian Kabasele due to a lingering suspension after being dismissed in their midweek League Cup defeat against Tottenham. Tom Cleverley and Gerard Deulofeu are both hoping to return, but this game could come too soon – and neither will be expected to be in the starting line-up.

Troy Deeney looks to be the thorn on the heart's of Arsenal's fans as Watford look to get a Premier League win — Troy Deeney during Watford’s warm-up session before their match against Manchester United

Skipper Troy Deeney, so often the scourge of Arsenal in recent seasons, sustained ligament damage last weekend in the draw against Fulham but may well have injections so he can lead the line.

In the opposite attack, Frenchman Alexandre Lacazette could be the man to watch. He has scored five goals in his last four home starts.

Watford have already beaten Arsenal’s North London rivals this term, and very nearly did for a second time in midweek only to go down on penalties.

Although Javi Garcia’s side have only won one of their last 14 away matches, their overall record against Arsenal is much better than you’d think.

They have met on 23 occasions with Arsenal winning 11 and the Hornets boasting 12 successes to their name.

Arsenal’s last home league defeat in a match kicking off at 3 pm on a Saturday (UK time) was on the opening day of the 2013/14 season when they were beaten by Aston Villa.

Can Watford really inflict another?

History

Arsenal would do well to be wary of the visit of Watford who have won three of their last six meetings against them in all competitions.

That may seem surprising considering the Gunners ran out comfortable 3-0 winners over the Hornets at the Emirates Stadium as recently as March.

But the season before that, Watford triumphed 2-1 against Arsenal to end a run of seven successive defeats. Then, also last season, they were 2-1 home winners when Cleverley hit a last-minute winner on a famous day for the club.

It was also a game which prompted Watford captain Deeney to highlight what many had noted for years but few had said.

Hence the word ‘cojones’ made its way into the Premier League dictionary!

Betting Tip

Premier League 2018 betting odds will usually favour Arsenal at home against any bar the top five sides, and this is no different.

1X2 Arsenal @ 1.48 is a far cry from 1X2 Watford @ 6.60 and the draw @ 4.20

You can get slightly more favourable odds on the Gunners with First Half 1X2 @ 1.94. Watford are priced at First Half 1X2 @ 5.60, and the draw will give you odds of @ 2.46.

It is a similar scenario with Asian Handicap betting.

Arsenal are -1.50 @ 2.26 with Watford +1.00 @ 2.23 – a good bet for anyone who fancies the Hornets.

Goals are clearly expected in this game, hence why over 3.50 goals will only get you odds of @ 2.13.

Watford have been entertaining thus far, so my bet is: