It’s the first match in charge for Quique Sanchez Flores, as he takes over the reigns of Watford from the just sacked Javi Gracia. Currently, the league’s bottom side, the Hornets have just one point on the season and a -6 goal differential.
Thus, Gracia became the first manager casualty of the Premier League season. The last place team will host Arsenal, who currently sit exactly where they finished last season- fifth place. That said, let’s take a look at the team news for both sides, starting with the hosts.
Team captain Troy Deeney remains a long term absentee due to a knee injury, while Etienne Capoue could be in contention as he returns from an illness. Finally, Craig Cathcart is a doubt due to a muscular issue.
Flipping over to the visitors, Alexandre Lacazette has been ruled out until at least next month due to ankle injury. On the opposite end of the spectrum, central defender Rob Holding is back after having spent the last nine months out due to a knee injury, but won’t be rushed back into action.
Fellow defenders Hector Bellerin and Kieran Tierney have resumed full training yesterday, but they will be eased in as well. This match comes too soon for them to feature.
Arsenal FC at Watford FC FYIs
Arsenal Starting XI Prediction: go to this link
Kickoff: Sunday, Sept 15, Vicarage Road, 4:30 pm
Odds and Probability via Smart Bet:
Arsenal win 48%, 2.03 Draw 26%, 3.83 Watford win 26% 3.80
Prediction: Watford 2, Arsenal 2
Hard to back the Gunners to win on the road right now, even if it against the last place side.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, the author of “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry,” regularly appears on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
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