Arsenal: Predictions & expected points from 5 upcoming fixtures

Arsenal vs Watford – Premier League

It’s very hard not to like Claudio Ranieri. Regardless of footballing approach and the like, he’s a fun character.

What he does to this Watford team will make for interesting viewing. His title winning side at Leicester was a fairly simple implementation of inverted wingers in a compact shape who excelled in counter-attacking football, and should he plan for similar at Vicarage Road then at least Arsenal are built in a more physically manageable way to counter that.

As the last game before another international break, if the aforementioned predictions go as planned (big if) then this could be Arsenal’s chance to go ten matches unbeaten in all competitions. What a turnaround that would be after the horrific start to the season.

The low-block Hornets will sit back and aim to soak up pressure a la Ranieri-staving-off-relegation, which will call for the creative players in the Gunners’ squad to be firing on all cylinders. Scoring goals is an issue that may not be resolved fully until a new, more well rounded centre-forward joins the club and winning by the odd goal may be here to stay this season.

With the firepower Arsenal have that should absolutely not be the case. That needn’t be said.

Still, a dogged three points will do nicely with Arteta sat in the stands (as predicted).

Score prediction: Arsenal 1-0 Watford

Match prediction: Watford will be unlucky to leave empty handed