Arsenal vs Watford: Predicted starting XI in must-have away match

Midfield

I’m saying a prayer here, but some part of me believes that Granit Xhaka could have played against Napoli had we really needed him, but with Aaron Ramsey and Lucas Torreira healthy and it being a home match, Unai Emery didn’t want to risk it.

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He would have rather saved him for this match, where we will be desperate to not see this midfield go the way it did against Everton. It’s a big ask because, as I keep alluding to, Watford have a sturdy midfield, and they stack it. We need our best midfielders in there to win the crucial battle in the middle of the pitch and that primarily falls on having Xhaka healthy.

But he won’t be doing the job alone. Lucas Torreira should get the nod next to him, especially seeing how he burst back onto the scene against Napoli. He won’t be anywhere near tired, as he had nearly a month off, even if that means he can only go 70 minutes or so, like last match, it will be a superb 70

He’s back in top form, and with his usual partner in next to him, both will be playing with that trust and freedom that they established earlier in the season.

Lastly, the front three