Watford vs Arsenal (16/17)

Team news:
Arsenal: Arsene Wenger has the same squad available from last week's draw with Leicester City, but Mesut Ozil is close to full fitness and pushing for a first start of the season. Olivier Giroud is still "a fraction behind physically", Wenger confirmed, while Aaron Ramsey (hamstring) Alex Iwobi (thigh) and Gabriel (ankle) remain out.

Watford: Walter Mazzarri says it is "nearly impossible" for new signings Roberto Pereyra, Younes Kaboul and Daryl Janmaat to all start but expects the trio to play some part against Arsenal. Isaac Success could make his Premier League debut for Watford having returned to training from a leg injury.


THE MANAGER
Walter Mazzarri first came to European prominence during an impressive four-year spell with Napoli, which included taking the club to second place in Serie A, and winning the Coppa Italia in 2012 – their first trophy since the days of Diego Maradona.
The Italian was notable for being one of the few managers of a top-class side to play a three-man defence at this point, with Napoli’s shape varying between 3-4-1-2, 3-4-2-1 and 3-4-3. He again maintained a three-man backline throughout a mixed campaign with Inter Milan.

FORMATION
It’s been no surprise to see Mazzarri using a three-man defence once again in his two matches so far with Watford, which makes this an unusual test for Arsenal – it seems Ronald Koeman’s Everton are the only other Premier League side likely to use a back three this season.

It’s essentially a 3-5-2 system, with Valon Behrami sitting deeper than the other midfielders, Etienne Capoue and Adlene Guediora. Out wide, left-sided Jose Holebas is accustomed to playing as a full back and overlaps dangerously, whereas right-sided Nordin Amrabat is more of a natural winger or even a centre forward, and is more dangerous in possession.

STRENGTHS
Last season, Watford were able to depend upon arguably the best strike partnership in the Premier League. Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney struck up a wonderful relationship, and struck 28 of Watford’s 40 Premier League goals.

It’s been notable that Mazzarri, while changing their overall system, has maintained a front two. Deeney plays a peculiar role, half-link player, half-target man, while Ighalo plays on the shoulder of the last defender and attempts to reach Deeney’s flick-ons and through balls. They’re a highly-dangerous combination.

DANGERMAN
Both Watford’s goals this season have been scored by former Spurs central midfielder Capoue – rifling home the opener against both Southampton and Chelsea.

The Frenchman is allowed more freedom this season than last, and while predominantly regarded as a defensive midfielder, also boasts a good passing range and can make well-timed runs into the box.

AREAS TO TARGET
Mazzarri’s use of a three-man defence means Watford can be vulnerable to opposition breaks into the wide areas.

Holebas and Amrabat are both attack-minded wing-backs who can be caught high up the pitch when Watford lose possession, while the wide centre-backs, Craig Cathcart and Miguel Britos, aren’t particularly quick. Sudden breaks into the channels could be a profitable approach from Arsenal.

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20160825/scouting-report-watford-v-arsenal

Expecting the real Alexis to step up this game.

Should have given him an extended break because a tired alexis is a liability.

Hoping to get our first win against Watford. Can't see Ozil start still though. Wilshere probably will.

I dont care how well we play, this game is about getting the 3 points. We have dropped 4 points so far, we can't afford to drop anymore especially with the international break coming up. Ox, theo and Alexis better turn up tommorow. We were awful as an attacking force against Leicester and they played a big part to that especially Alexis. I know he is not 100 percent and he is not playing in his favourite position but he is much better than what he has shown so far.

That midfield

I hope we get the 3 points without Ozil picking up any injuries

Doubt it. 70 maybe. Wilshere for him late on

Expecting nothing less than 90% pass accuracy from that team

If we had Campbell at RW tho

As long as both stay disciplined and don't get reckless, I think they'll do just fine together.

anonther start for Holding
+Mesut

lets go COYG

Watch Holding become our most influential signing of the summer

this kit is awful for this game, colours clashing

How is that not a penalty

Santi bury it...

Yepp, my man !

oh he has given a penalty, great start

Watford are all over the place, need to make the most of it now

Ozil is so off the pace, it's hurting us at times

Great finish by Alexis , did he mean it

Great run by Ozil, type of run you want him to make all the time.

EL Patron wrote:Watford are all over the place, need to make the most of it now

Did we make most of it?

Rev wrote:Expecting nothing less than 90% pass accuracy from that team

88% at HT c'mon guys!