Arsenal vs Watford: Predicted starting XI for crucial clash

Centerbacks

There may be something in the works at centerback. As Shkodran Mustafi continues to baffle the entirety of the fans with bizarre, almost out-of-body experiences that leave the Gunners in a fitful state of covering his mistakes, Rob Holding continues to grow and mature. Meaning that in time, Holding may work his way past Mustafi and into the starting XI, assuming both trajectories continue.

That said, Unai Emery may have the potential for swaps, but not that quickly. It will still be Mustafi and Sokratis out there in the center of the defense, assuming that Sokratis is healthy enough to hit the pitch. If he isn’t, then Holding will start next to Mustafi, same as we saw against Brentford.

Sokratis has become such a reliable presence on the defense that he has almost become something like a guardian angel for Mustafi, cleaning up his mistakes and being an unflappable sweeper. It’s a presence that will certainly be missed if he can’t take the pitch, but hopefully he can.

As far as Mustafi is concerned, well, he started the season well enough, and continues to have majority good games, his only big drawback is his inability to avoid really, really odd mistakes that no professional regularly makes.

On to my favorite spot, the midfield.