The English domestic league is relentless on its top flight teams as the 23rd round of the Premier League is back to entertain this midweek to round off a ridiculously busy January this season. Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal, who came through unscathed in their FA Cup journey will now face a home tie against Watford on Tuesday. The Gunners are currently 8 points off Chelsea and cannot afford any slip-ups if they are to challenge the Blues for the title.
Walter Mazarri’s side are fresh from a draw against the Cherries in the previous round and will be hoping to put on a fight at the Emirates but Arsene Wenger is expected to go for the kill with his strongest side. Here is the predicted lineup for the Gunners for this game:
Team News:
The manager revealed in the press conference that he has not new injuries to worry about ahead of this clash. Santi Cazorla remains the only injury concern and the likes of Francis Coquelin and Aaron Ramsey are back fit for this clash. Mohamed Elneny is still on international duty while Granit Xhaka remains suspended.
Expected lineup (4-2-3-1):
Petr Cech:
The first choice shot-stopper for Arsenal, Cech has been superb this season for Arsenal and is one of the first names on the team sheet for Arsene Wenger.
Hector Bellerin:
The Spanish full-back has been one of the best players in his position in the Premier League and he should keep his place in the side for this clash.
Laurent Koscielny:
The backbone of the Arsenal defense, Koscielny has had a decent time in the recent game and will hope to help keep a clean sheet this week.
Shkodran Mustafi:
The German defender has fast grown into the first choice for Arsene Wenger at the Emirates and he is expected to partner Koscielny for this tie.
Nacho Monreal:
Having been rested for the FA Cup tie at the weekend, Monreal should be fit and ready to take on Watford on Tuesday.
Francis Coquelin:
The first choice midfielder for Wenger, Coquelin is the lynchpin in the midfield for the side and should have a good game for Arsenal to be comfortable on the night.
Aaron Ramsey:
The Welsh midfielder will get yet another chance in the first team for Arsenal in the absence of Elneny and Xhaka as he tries to cement his place under Arsene Wenger.
Theo Walcott:
The English winger was terrific in the previous game for Arsenal and Wenger will hope that he can put in a similar performance against the Hornets.
Mesut Ozil:
The German playmaker has been a rather sedate in the last few games and this game is a decent chance for him to get back to form.
Alexis Sanchez:
The top goal scorer for Arsenal this season, Sanchez has been relentless in front of goal and is expected to start this game for the home side.
Danny Welbeck:
The English striker is back fit and is firing for Arsenal and Wenger will have him lead the attack for his side on the night against Watford.