Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Watford: Predicted starting XI – The muddled midfield

By Andrew Dowdeswell

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 28: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal in action during the Emirates Cup match between Arsenal and Olympique Lyonnais at the Emirates Stadium on July 28, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 28: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal in action during the Emirates Cup match between Arsenal and Olympique Lyonnais at the Emirates Stadium on July 28, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Alexandre Lacazette
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 01: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his teams first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on September 01, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Front Three

Alexandre Lacazette is Arsenal’s best player. While he is sometimes dropped from the team, for some curious reason, whenever he spearheads the attack, the Gunners look like a much more complete and cohesive team. His absence due to an ankle problem, then, will be a major detriment to the team.

Replacing him in the striker position is relatively simple: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will shift into the centre-forward role, where he is better suited, away from his usual position on the left flank. What is slightly more complicated is how Emery then fills out the rest of the attack.

He could shift to a 4-4-2, either as a diamond or flat four. He could use a back three with two strikers. Or he could throw a curveball and use a system that he has not done previously. It is difficult to predict what Emery will do. He is extremely flexible, from game to game. But I feel that he wants to persist with the 4-3-3, using Nicolas Pepe on the right as usual and re-introducing Reiss Nelson on the left flank.

Next. Arsenal Vs Watford: 5 key players to watch. dark

Lacazette’s injury is a major blow because he is a sensational centre-forward. But Arsenal let Eddie Nketiah leave on loan because they have faith in their attacking talent. Now, that faith must be paid back.