Smith Rowe To Start, Martinelli Out: Arsenal’s Predicted XI To Face Watford

Arsenal take on Watford this Sunday and the Gunners are unlikely to make many changes to the side that won against Wolves last time out.

Aaron Ramsdale will keep his place in goal, while Cedric is likely to be selected at right-back, with Takehiro Tomiyasu still on the treatment table with a calf injury. Kieran Tierney should start on the left-hand side of defence.

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Ben White and Gabriel have built up a strong partnership, having helped keep 11 clean sheets in 24 league matches this campaign, so the pair are in line to start as the two centre-backs this weekend.

In midfield, manager Mikel Arteta has settled on Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka as his two holding midfielders, with Martin Odegaard in the number 10 role. Considering it will be 11 days since they last played, there is no need to rotate.

There may, however, be a change in the front three. Emile Smith Rowe has been pictured back in training this week, so he could replace Gabriel Martinelli, whose goals and assists have dried up.

Nicolas Pepe is pushing for a start but Bukayo Saka will likely stay in the team, with captain Alexandre Lacazette leading the line.

Arsenal’s Predicted XI To Face Watford:

Ramsdale, Cedric, White, Gabriel, Tierney, Partey, Odegaard, Xhaka, Saka, Lacazette, Smith Rowe