Arsenal fans here in the Football Transfer Tavern have been disappointed by their start to the season thus far, so they will expect that to change this weekend.
A game against Watford gives Arsene Wenger’s side a chance to really put a marker down for the season ahead.
Despite their struggles against the very top sides, the Gunners will undoubtedly go into the game as strong favourites.
For Arsenal, it represents the ideal chance to get back to winning ways and kickstart some early momentum.
Wenger clearly has a lot of work to do between now and the 31st of August off the pitch, but he cannot ignore what is happening between the white lines this weekend.
Boosted by a decent enough performance away at champions Leicester City, the North London giants have plenty to prove, even at this early stage of the Premier League campaign.
A top performance will be needed to beat Watford and Le Prof will need to be very astute with his team selection.
Despite the wholesale changes the Hertfordshire outfit seemingly go through on almost an annual basis, Walter Mazzarri has made a decent start to life in England.
With that in mind, this 4-2-3-1 Arsenal XI will definitely beat Watford this weekend.
GK – Petr Cech
Who else?
Petr Cech has become a real fan favourite amongst the Arsenal faithful here in the Football Transfer Tavern, and it’s easy to see why.
He is absolutely unstoppable between the sticks.
RB – Hector Bellerin
Hector Bellerin has gone from strength to strength in recent years, and he is only going to get better.
Another stellar season may well catapult him to the stratosphere. He is already well regarded as a top defender in England – expect his recognition to go global this season.
In typical Bellerin fashion, expect another strong performance this weekend.
CB – Rob Holding
Whilst his opening day performance against Liverpool disappointed the majority of the Gunners here in the Tavern – he came back with a stellar performance last weekend.
With Arsenal struggling in central defence, he looks set to be given the nod ahead of Calum Chambers on Saturday and line-up alongside Laurent Koscielny.
The pair could form a great partnership as their understanding further develops.
CB – Laurent Koscielny
Back from his extended breaking following France’s Euro 2016 exploits, Laurent Koscielny put in a wonderful performance last weekend, and he will be the first name on the teamsheet tomorrow.
His experience is absolutely vital alongside the inexperienced Rob Holding.
LB – Nacho Monreal
The ever consistent Nacho Monreal has been getting better and better over the last 18 months, and he has continued his fine form in the 2016/17 season.
Expect another top performance from Monreal this weekend.
CM – Granit Xhaka
Arsenal’s biggest transfer of the summer looks likely to retain his place in this team after an impressive start to life as a Gunner.
Our landlord is expecting big things from the talented Swiss midfielder, and this could be the game that helps him kick into gear.
CM – Francis Coquelin
An injury to Aaron Ramsey will likely make way for Francis Coquelin to make a start against Watford this weekend.
While he may not offer as much going forward, the bruising Frenchman will provide an additional shield to Arsenal’s feeble defence, something that could prove crucial against a forward as prolific as Troy Deeney.
RAM – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has impressed the Gunners in the Tavern so far this season, popping up with a goal on the opening day against Liverpool as he sparked an attempted comeback.
He may well get his chance to impress from the start against Watford.
CAM – Mesut Ozil
Mesut Ozil was featured in the match day squad last week, and he could be ready to make his first Arsenal start this weekend.
He impressed in parts during the European Championships this summer, and his extended break should improve his performances going forward.
He might take a while to adjust, thought boasts the quality in abundance to command a starting berth.
LAM – Alexis Sanchez
Regardless of form, Alexis Sanchez is always one of Arsene Wenger’s stalwarts.
He can always pop up with a goal, and that is exactly what Arsenal have lacked recently.
ST – Olvier Giroud
Olivier Giroud got his first run out of the season last weekend, and our landlord thinks he’s going to go one better against the Hornets.
Wenger has been crying out for him in his absence, with a lack of depth up front proving a real problem for the Gunners as of late.
Don’t be surprised if he pops up with a goal.
