Arsenal’s next few weeks are crucially important to their aspirations this season, as a decent run of results in the Gunners favour could see them cut Chelsea’s advantage at the top of the table significantly and raise hopes of a title charge.
Sat eight points behind the Blues, Arsenal tackle Watford in midweek, whilst the Stamford Bridge giants face a huge test against Liverpool, before the two London giants clash at Stamford Bridge this weekend- and a Chelsea victory there would surely clinch the title.
With the Champions League Round of 16 also just a few weeks away, the Gunners need to step things up if they’re to genuinely compete with the elite clubs in Europe and finishing January with another victory against Watford would be a good result.
Here, we’ve identified the XI that Arsenal should field for the clash with Watford, taking into consideration the fact that the game slots in between two crucial games against Southampton in the FA Cup and Chelsea in the Premier League.
GK: Petr Cech
Arsenal’s number-one has earned a fair share of criticism this season, being far from his best, but he will remain between the sticks for the remainder of the season. Whilst the situation could change further in the summer, Cech is pivotal to the Gunners title charge.
With a wealth of experience in winning the Premier League, Cech could have a huge impact in the coming months over the younger and less experienced players in the squad. However, he does need to reduce the individual errors in his game.
RB: Gabriel Paulista
With Hector Bellerin only recently returning from injury, using the Spaniard for three games in the space of a week so swiftly after his comeback could prove problematic. Looking at the games Arsenal have this week, Bellerin should be saved for Chelsea at the weekend.
Gabriel Paulista has performed admirably when slotting into right-back this season and it’s given the Brazilian a new lease of life at the Emirates Stadium. He should cope well against Watford and will be a decent asset.
CB: Laurent Koscielny
The French international is a crucial part of Arsenal’s back-line and his partnership with the defence this season has been pivotal. It will be even more important in the final months of the campaign, where Arsenal need to improve.
Capable of providing an impact via set-pieces, Laurent Koscielny could be as useful in attack as he is in defence. As the leader of the back-line, he’ll need a controlling performance here.
CB: Shkodran Mustafi
Still yet to lose in an Arsenal jersey at the time of writing, Shkodran Mustafi has been an excellent addition to the Gunners defence but there is still plenty of room for improvement. Having netted his first Arsenal goal against Burnley though, he’ll be full of confidence.
Tougher tests await for Mustafi this season, with the weekend’s clash with Chelsea being a huge challenge, but Mustafi has shown the sort of performances to suggest he can become a defensive leader in the coming years.
LB: Nacho Monreal
Whilst his long-term suitability to Arsenal remains under speculation, Nacho Monreal remains as Arsenal’s best choice on the left-hand side. However, he’ll need a top performance in the coming weeks and help from whoever plays ahead of him.
Monreal boasts a wealth of experience and his performances over the past 18 months have shown decline but he’s still an important member of the squad and Arsenal have to keep faith.
CM: Aaron Ramsey
The Welshman now has his chance to stake a claim for a permanent spot in the side, potentially establishing himself as the heir to Santi Cazorla’s role, as Arsenal have limited options for the next few games as Granit Xhaka is suspended, Cazorla remains injured and Mohamed Elneny is on international duty.
Ramsey hasn’t managed to find consistent form recently but has shown some flashes of brilliance. If he sorts himself, then the midfield position in the side could be his for years to come. If he doesn’t, then his future could be speculated upon.
CM: Francis Coquelin
One of Arsenal’s most underrated players this season, Francis Coquelin will slot into the midfield to provide protection to the defence. Conceding a late penalty against Burnley, the Frenchman will certainly be keen to improve.
Arsenal lack options defensively and Coquelin, like Ramsey alongside him, really needs to step-up. Whilst he is a capable midfield enforcer, he doesn’t quite rival the likes of N’Golo Kante and Yaya Toure, so it’s still an area that could be improved.
RW: Lucas Perez
The Spaniard has been overlooked regularly in recent weeks, despite good performances, but will expect an opportunity here. Arsenal do lack natural wingers in their side but Perez, although his best position is at striker, has excelled.
Theo Walcott’s return from injury gives Arsenal another option but the Gunners will want to keep him fresh for upcoming matches and not risk aggravating his recent problem further. If Perez performs well, he could keep this spot.
CAM: Mesut Ozil
The German has added a new dimension to Arsenal’s attack this season by improving his form in front of goal but Mesut Ozil remains the playmaker, as shown by his inch-perfect delivery to Shkodran Mustafi from a corner last week.
Ozil faces a big test in February and criticism that he disappears in big games continue. To overcome those critics, he’ll need a strong performance against both Chelsea and Bayern Munich; and starting a run of form with a positive performance against Watford will certainly help.
LW: Alex Iwobi
The Nigerian has been a regular fixture in the side for Arsenal this season and has started the last six Premier League games. Expect that to reach seven against Watford but Iwobi does need to improve his performances.
Lacking consistency, the main criticism has been leaving Nacho Monreal exposed at left-back, which in turn, has led to criticism on the Spaniard. Iwobi and Monreal need to improve their partnership, otherwise, Arsenal will be vulnerable.
ST: Alexis Sanchez
Shifted out-wide to accommodate an in-form Olivier Giroud into the side, Arsene Wenger now needs to make a decision in what route to go down for the second-half of the season. Expect both players to get opportunities this week, ahead of the crunch tie against Chelsea.
Alexis up-front is a force to be reckoned with and this could be the best route to go down, especially when you consider their excellent unbeaten form at the start of the season. They’ve let that slip over the past six weeks and the difference has been Alexis’ position. Coincidence?
