Arsenal vs Watford Premier League preview: How to watch, lineups, Arteta’s 100th game & prediction
Congratulations to Mikel Arteta, who will be in the dugout for his 100th match as Arsenal manager when Watford travel to the Emirates Stadium for Sunday’s Premier League clash. Here is the match preview.
Not only will the manager mark a century of games in charge, he also has the opportunity to match his longest unbeaten run as a boss if his side avoid defeat. Securing any number of points will make it ten unbeaten in all competitions.
What’s most impressive if all is that if Arsenal beat the Hornets it will be his 54th victory across that time, the second most of any manager in the club’s history. It’s an accolade he already holds, mind you, with George Graham in front on 56 and Arsene Wenger just behind on 51.
Considering what is up next for Arsenal after the third international break, victory over Claudio Ranieri’s team is more important than ever. Indeed, a daunting trip to Anfield is up next and as well as the team are playing, there are, as the kids say, levels to this game.
Arsenal vs Watford: Premier League preview of Mikel Arteta’s 100th game as a manager at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday
Now nine games without defeat after a superb win over Leicester, Arsenal are much improved in a number of departments. The team has shown development and collective growth in abundance, and keeping that going with three points against a side hovering just above the relegation zone is the bare minimum.
Based on form it’s a match the Gunners should be leaving victorious from. No two ways about it.
Still far from perfect with certain tactical tweaks to make, if they are to be serious about challenging for the European spots this season then beating relegation candidates on home soil is a must.
If anything this upcoming break is unwelcome. World Cup qualifiers will come to an end as England – without Benjamin White or Emile Smith Rowe – take on Albania and San Marino, but with momentum on the team’s side, it’s less convenient than last time.
But, hey, it’s more rest for a few of the squad ahead of the grueling winter fixture list, so maybe it isn’t all too bad. And, first of all, the small matter of Watford awaits.
It should be a cracking affair.
How to Watch on TV
When Is Kick Off? Sunday 7 November
What Time Is Kick Off?14:00 (GMT)
Where Is it Played? Emirates Stadium
TV Channel/Live Stream? Sky Sports (UK) fuboTV (USA)
Referee? Kevin Friend
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