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[Image] Lacazette out – My Arsenal line-up vs Watford

By on March 5, 2022

Mikel Arteta Arsenal

Arsenal will be looking for a win to close-in on the top four when we take on Watford at Vicarage Road on Sunday afternoon. This is the line-up I’d like to see Mikel Arteta select for the match…

Aaron Ramsdale will obviously start in goal as he’s been superb since arriving at the club last summer. Kieran Tierney should continue at left-back ahead of Nuno Tavares while Ben White will get another chance to continue his excellent form.

Gabriel was at fault for the Wolves goal last time out after a sloppy back-pass, however, the Brazilian should keep his place alongside White in the middle of Arsenal’s back four.

Unfortunately, Takehiro Tomiyasu remains a major doubt due to an on-going calf complaint. Cedric Soares has actually played very well of late so there is no need to rush Tomi back too soon.

Thomas Partey has been excellent in a deeper midfield role in recent weeks so let’s hope that continues against Watford. Granit Xhaka has been decent in a slightly more advanced role and he should keep his place ahead of the likes of Mo Elneny and Albert Sambi Lokonga.

Arteta has been playing more of a 4-3-3 recently with Martin Odegaard a little deeper alongside Xhaka in front of Partey. That trend is likely to continue at Vicarage Road and Odegaard will look to keep his superb recent form. He’s arguably been Arsenal’s best player since the turn of the year.

emile smith rowe arsenal

Smith Rowe returns

Obviously Bukayo Saka should keep his place on the right flank. Our Star Boy is a focal point in the Arsenal team and Arteta will be looking to him for more inspiration tomorrow afternoon.

Gabriel Martinelli should start once again on the left side of attack. Nicolas Pepe made a match-changing contribution off the bench against Wolves last time out but I still think he should be among the substitutes this weekend.

Eddie Nketiah also helped turn things around against Wolves so it’s good we have him and Pepe to call upon from the bench if needed.

Emile Smith Rowe is back in contention after recovering from illness. Arteta will probably stick with Alexandre Lacazette up front but I’d like to see ESR given a chance in the false 9 role against Watford.

Smith Rowe is too good to leave out, and Lacazette’s goal contribution is pretty poor so I think it’s worth trying something out up front.

Here is the side I hope we see:

football formations