After our 5-0 thrashing of Southampton in the cup this weekend, its back to league action, as we prepare to entertain Watford at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
In a full midweek program, Chelsea travel to an out of form Liverpool, who have lost three in a row at home and will be going all out to ensure there’s not a fourth defeat. Spurs are away to Sunderland, Man City travel to West Ham, while Manchester United ‘entertain’ Hull City.
We are still eight points behind Chelsea, with with our visit to Stamford Bridge this weekend, it’s all to play for, and nothing short of a win against Watford will do, a win in both games, and two defeats for Chelsea could see their lead cut to just two points.
Goalkeeper:
As usual Petr Cech will start in goal despite Wenger using Ospina against Southampton in the cup.
Defence:
With everyone back now, Wenger has a nice headache in defence, Hector Bellerin played in the cup, so he should be back along with Nacho Monreal on the left. Koscielny and Mustafi were both rested for the cup, so they should return to league action, Mustafi still unbeaten as an Arsenal player going into this game.
Midfield:
Santi Cazorla is still missing, but Ramsey should return after also being rested for the cup game, while Granit Xhaka serves the second of his four match ban for his red card against Burnley. Francis Coquelin is another player who should return to the squad, while Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo, who both played well at St. Marys will also be pushing for a start. Mesut Ozil will return after a quiet January by his standards, let’s hope he’s raring to go at The Emirates.
Attack:
Wenger now has plenty of options up front with Welbeck back and scoring, Olivier Giroud is in fine form, Perez has also played well when given a chance, the undroppable Sanchez should start.
ArsenalShorts prediction: never make it easy for ourselves, so we’ll go behind, and win 3-1/ Come on you REDS!
