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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Arsenal Team News vs Watford – Concerns Over Kieran Tierney Fitness

Since the opening three matches of the season, injuries have been relatively kind to Arsenal.

Yes, Granit Xhaka being out until the new year is a blow, but he’s been the only significant injury loss to Arteta since the Manchester City debacle.

The other main concern surrounds Kieran Tierney. Missing out on the previous two matches with a bruised ankle, conflicting reports had suggested he’s either set to be back for Sunday or has yet to train. There has since been an official update from the club though, and it reported that he will be assessed ahead of the weekend.

With his form dipping, some time away from the pitch, albeit also not beneficial if he can’t partake in full training, might be doing some good considering the volume of matches he plays for club and country.

Apart from the pair, those who suffered from a sickness bug against Leeds in the Carabao Cup are all recovered and the manager can select from a healthy squad once more.

As for the visitors, they can welcome back forward Emmanuel Dennis, who was suspended against Southampton after picking up five yellow cards.

They are also hoping to have full-back Kiko Femenia back after he missed the 1-0 defeat to the Saints with a hip problem.

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Arsenal Predicted Lineup to Face Watford – Nuno Tavares Stays in?

Arsenal: Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tavares; Saka, Partey, Sambi, Smith Rowe; Lacazette, Aubameyang

Watford: Foster; Femenia, Troost-Ekong, Cathcart, Masina; Sarr, Sissoko, Kucka, Hernandez; Dennis, King

Arsenal vs Watford Score Prediction

Never take anything for granted in football, especially the Premier League. But maybe, just maybe, can this match be considered as a definite three points?

Of course not! These are the matches Arsenal tend to mess up.

Watford have had three extremely contrasting matches under Ranieri. First they got obliterated 5-0 by Liverpool in one of the worst performances from an English top-flight side seen in years, then followed it up with a 5-2 away win at Everton, and then were deservedly beaten at home to struggling Southampton when the hosts missed a gluttony of inviting chances.

They’re not a very good side; a collection of individuals yet to click as a group in this league.

It’s a match Arsenal should win. That can’t be shirked. And, for the first time in a while, it’s a match most will pretty fairly confident that they can win. Pound for pound they’re a better team, the home advantage will help and form is heavily in their favour.

With the international break to follow there is no excuse not to go gung-ho, and the blistering starts that have become synonymous with this team are sure to be on show once again.

If the lead is taken early it would be nice to see Arsenal maintain some level of control and avoid dropping off too deep. There is no need to sink into their shells against this opposition and for that reason it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Arteta go with a single pivot in Thomas Partey.

He shouldn’t, though. This is a winning team. Stick with it.

It’s also one that should see Arsenal go ten games unbeaten (with a win, of course) and celebrate a century of matches in charge for the manager.

Score Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Watford