Arsenal predicted lineup vs Watford: Smith Rowe or Martinelli?

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – One of the most pleasing aspects about the win over Wolves last time out was that other players stepped up in the absence of the usual ‘Saka and Emile Smith Rowe’ prominence.

Saka still made a vital contribution in the game, but it wasn’t him at his incisive best. Wolves don’t have an outstanding defensive record for no reason. Against a side who play compact and leave spaces either side, Saka will have joy running at his opposing full-back.

Alexandre Lacazette (ST) – It would mean the world for Lacazette and the team were he to get on the scoresheet in this game.

He is someone who always puts the team first, but there have been moments where it looks like his confidence is low and making the net ripple will give him that extra boost (we still count the Wolves winner as his goal, mind you).

Emile Smith Rowe (LW) – In terms of who to select between Smith Rowe and Martinelli, one way to look at it is who would you rather bring off the bench later on against a woeful defence tiring out?

Martinelli’s pace and trickery can wreak havoc on back four pieced together on loose change, while Smith Rowe’s tactical intelligence can do the business earlier on.