Last season Arsenal failed to make it to the European competition, which was a serious blow to the ambitions of the fans. Moreover, for a team with such a selection of players, such a result can be considered a complete failure. This season the capital’s team successfully started in the English League Cup, where they started with victories over West Bromwich (6:0) and Wimbledon (3:0). In the 1/8 finals the Gunners beat Leeds dry (2:0). In the Premier League championship, Mikel Arteta’s wards recorded eight successful matches and two peaceful outcomes after 16 rounds, which corresponds to 26 points and the sixth position in the standings. After two disastrous games with Manchester United (2:3) and Everton (1:2), the red-whites at home easily dealt with Southampton (3:0). The line of attack of the hosts looks very weak so far, which differed only 21 times. Today Kolashinats, Leno and Aubameyang will not be able to take part in the game. The captain is not in shape yet.
Watford started in the FA League Cup on a positive note, where in the first stage they beat Crystal Palace (1:0), after which they could not oppose anything to the modest Stoke City (1:3). The first rounds in the Premier League were unsuccessful, where the Hornets chalked up four wins and only one draw in 16 matches, which brought them 13 points and 17th place. The guests’ line of attack played well, with complete connivance in defense. After beating Manchester United (4:1), Claudio Ranieri’s men have lost four games in a row. Today Baa, Sarr, Masina, Sierralta and Etebo, who has a muscle injury, will not be able to enter the field.
