Premier League preview and odds: Watford vs Arsenal

Premier League preview and odds: Watford vs Arsenal

August 27 , 2016 15:00pm - Vicarage Road Stadium

Premier League

Italian coach Walter MazZarri will go in search of his first win as Watford boss this weekend. Standing in his way, will be an Arsenal side who have picked up just one point from their first two games this season.

Tough start reaps little reward for the Gunners

Arsenal may have finished in second place last season but that achievement has done little to quieten the murmurs of discontent amongst Gunners` fans who feel that it is time for a managerial change at the club. Veteran boss Arsene Wenger is no stranger to this kind of rhetoric and will no doubt take it all in his stride. However, there is a growing feeling that this might just be his last season in charge at the Emirates.

Wenger and his men have had a tough start to the new campaign with an opening day defeat at home to Liverpool (3-4) preceding a 1-1 draw away to reigning Champions Leicester City. Their cause has not been helped by an injury crisis that has particularly affected their defensive options. Next up, is an away fixture against a side attempting to survive a second season back in the top flight.

Watford avoided relegation last season under the guidance of Quique Sanchez Flores. With the Spanish boss now departed, the task of consolidating their elite status has been handed to former Napoli boss Walter Mazzarri. The Hornets started their campaign with a 1-1 draw at Southampton but were undone at home by Chelsea in their next game. They actually took the lead against Chelsea and looked all set for a draw before Diego Costa grabbed the late winner for the Blues.

Team news

Etienne Copoue and Brice Dja Djedje are both out of action for the home side.

Meanwhile, the visitors` injury woes continue with Aaron Ramsey, Alex Iwobi, Gabriel Paulista, Per Mertesacker, Danny Welbeck and Carl Jenkinson all on the absent list.

Recent form (League)

Watford: LDDLD

Arsenal: DLWWW

Betting odds and tips

Watford were quite impressive in their opening two matches but only managed to secure one point from a possible six. Likewise, Arsenal also have just a single point to their name and both teams will be desperate to get their first three points on the board this weekend.

This game should be an intriguing contrast of styles with defence-minded Watford looking to thwart Arsenal`s attacking intent. As a result, this should be a close contest. However, the Gunners can be expected to come out on top.

You can back the away win at 8/11 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Go To bet365

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25/08/2016     © Frixo 2024