Arsenal vs Watford: Predicted starting XI for crucial clash

No. 10 and striker

We can go ahead and get the striker out of the way now. It’s going to be Alexandre Lacazette. He and Aubameyang finally pushed away from the clump of Arsenal goal-scorers to tie for the team lead at two goals apiece. I would expect the distance to grow as the two get more and more comfortable.

It was at Lacazette’s own invention that the first goal went in against Everton, with his fantastic sizzler that ricocheted into the back of the net while Lacazette was falling backwards from the corner of the 18-yard box. I love describing the goal. It helps me see it again.

Anyway, at No. 10, I would expect Aaron Ramsey to start again. I know some people are a bit disenchanted with his play, but he did get two assists against Everton, has shown the best potential for the role, and we all know that he is always on the brink of breaking out in a big way. You can’t move Ramsey aside before you move Ozil aside, that much is for certain.

And besides, Ramsey’s ability to change the game at the drop of a dime makes him invaluable in to the club. The goal should be to help him find his footing, not force him out of the XI. So let’s see what he can do against Watford and go from there.

The only thing that could potentially upset this starting XI is an injury to Sokratis, or a sudden realization that Bellerin really can’t defend.