Arsenal predicted lineup vs Watford: Nuno Tavares in 4-2-3-1?

Arsenal host Watford in the Premier League on Sunday in what will be Mikel Arteta’s 100th game in charge of the club since taking over in December 2019. Here is the predicted lineup.

For a bit of fun, this was the Spaniard’s first ever team: Leno; Maitland-Niles, Sokratis, Luiz, Saka; Torreira, Xhaka, Nelson, Ozil, Aubameyang; Lacazette.

How different will it look on the weekend? One thing is for sure, the back five will be completely changed.

Will it be changed with Kieran Tierney or Nuno Tavares in the side, though? Among all the speculating this is the primary talking point ahead of the visit of the Hornets.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Watford: Does Nuno Tavares keep his place over Kieran Tierney and does Martin Odegaard come back for a 4-2-3-1 system?

Arteta said he was hopeful that the Scot will be fit to return, but the strong outings from the summer arrival have prompted talk of him keeping his place over the out-of-form left-back. Whoever is selected, the competition for places is healthy.

There may also be scope for the manager to revert to the 4-1-4-1 shape he’s adopted against the so-called lesser teams in the Premier League. Against Burnley and Crystal Palace he’s gone with this system, as well as later on in the 1-0 win over Norwich.

Watford will be dancing in and around the relegation places come the end of the season even with the appointment of Claudio Ranieri, as three contrasting results in his short tenure, including a 1-0 home defeat to Southampton last time out, illustrate the task at hand.

Arteta may be reluctant to make changes to a winning team, however. Sambi Lokonga is forming a strong partnership with Thomas Partey in the heart of midfield and despite a possible urge field more forward players, the team has looked solid in the 4-2-3-1.

Aiming to extend the unbeaten run to ten matches in all competitions prior to the third and final international break of the calendar year, what will Arteta plump for?

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – Not only has Ramsdale firmly cemented his place as the number one goalkeeper at the club, he’s now banging on Gareth Southgate’s door for a maiden England debut. Talk of him usurping Jordan Pickford in the starting lineup grows louder by the week.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (RB) – Going about his business confidently, the defender has settled into life at Arsenal like a duck to water, fully understanding of his tactical role and providing steel down the right side.

Benjamin White (CB) – It’s understandable that Southgate has his trusted defenders in the national team, but to select Coady and Mings over White in the recent England squad is baffling. He’s been in brilliant form for Arsenal.

Gabriel (CB) – While it’s early days, Gabriel is starting to stake his claim for Player of the Season already. He looks out of this world.

Nuno Tavares (LB) – Despite the manager being hopeful of Tierney being back fit for Sunday, with international matches to come there is no need to rush him back. Nuno was bought for a reason and having a reliable option ensures no risks need to be taken. He looks like keeping his spot.

Continued…