Arsenal predicted lineup vs Watford: Sambi & Balogun starts?

Forwards

Nicolas Pepe (RW) – Another player who has looked sharp in pre-season, it’s clear that Pepe has undergone a shift in mentality under Arteta’s reign, pretty much since the moment he got that red card against Leeds.

He works tirelessly off the ball and unlike his Brazilian teammate, kept himself in shape over the summer. Just like Partey there are no excuses for the Ivorian this season not to be surpassing his league goal contributions. On the basis he gets picked, that is.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST) – Along with Okonkwo the captain has started all three warm-up matches, but is yet to find the back of the net.

His misses (which were not great) have been highlighted and done a disservice to his overall performances. Aubameyang has been involved more in the link-up play, showed clever movement and remains quick off the turf. Everything looks good except for hitting the back of the net, really.

Nobody will remember the positives if he doesn’t score, however. So it’s great news, then, that he will today (bonus prediction).

Folarin Balogun (LW) – Fans don’t want to see Flo shunted out to the left but they may have to make do for this game. Like at Ibrox, out of possession he picked up a left-sided berth but then when Arsenal won the ball back he was able to join in with the five-pronged attack and support Aubameyang in a front two.

Strong, aggressive and full of self-belief, someone like a Watford could do with a player of his ilk on loan next season. He could certainly pick up a bit of the rough and tumble from Troy Deeney, that’s for sure.