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

Front Three

I’m predicting some pretty hefty changes here over what we’ve seen in recent matches. The only guy that I think keeps his spot from Everton is Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who, while just as ineffective as everyone else on the day, was at the very least less wasteful, and his energy is always a welcome component.

Next to him, I want to see Aaron Ramsey in a more advanced role, mostly because I don’t want to see Mesut Ozil in there. No more away matches for him, and if you put Ramsey in there in front of Torreira and Xhaka, then the three can always interchange, as they often do with the freedom that they have.

The only other option would be Alex Iwobi, who probably does deserve a start at this point, but in my book, this midfield four – Mkhitaryan, Ramsey, Xhaka, Torreira – is the sweet spot, and it’s the best way to counteract Watford’s midfield.

Lastly, I think it’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang getting the start up top. Alexandre Lacazette has been a bit off lately, and Aubameyang is mathematically guaranteed a goal, so best give him as much time as possible and hope that one goal can become two or three.