Premier League preview and odds: Watford vs. Arsenal

Published on: 15/10/2015

Premier League preview and odds: Watford vs. Arsenal

October 17, 2015 17:30pm Vicarage Road

Premier League

In Saturday`s late Premier League kick-off game, goal-shy Watford will go head-to-head with title-contenders Arsenal at Vicarage Road.

Hornets out to sting Arsenal

Spanish Coach Quique Sanchez Flores has defied many peoples expectations by turning Watford into one of the most defensively-resilient teams in the Barclays Premier League.

The Hornets have conceded just one goal at home and have the joint-lowest goals against record in the league. Unfortunately, they are also the leagues joint-worst goal-getters with a total of just six scored at home and away.

Only one of Watfords goals was scored on home soil and that came in their 1-0 win over Swansea. So far, their home fans have seen a total of just two goals scored in the four matches that have been played at their Hertfordshire stadium. However, with just eight games played, their supporters should be pleased with their current haul of 10 points. They are currently sat in 12th place, six points clear of the relegation zone and just five points below the Champions League places.

This weekend, their excellent home defensive record will be put to the test by an Arsenal team that has scored eight goals on the road this season.

Gunners looking for fifth win in six matches

Arsene Wengers team will have to travel less than 18 miles for Saturday`s clash with Watford, as they attempt to maintain their Premier League title challenge.

Since their disappointing loss to Chelsea, the Gunners have been in fine form winning two games in a row including a 3-0 stroll against Louis van Gaal`s Manchester United. They now occupy second spot in the table with a total of 16 points, just two points behind league leaders Manchester City. However, Wenger has still been the target of severe criticism, particularly because of his club`s poor displays on the European stage.

Like Watford, Arsenal have conceded just seven goals this term but unlike their opponents, they have scored a respectable total of 13 goals.

Team news

For the home side, Valon Behrami (calf) and Allan Nyom (knee) should both be available after recovering from their recent injuries. Meanwhile, Jose Manuel Jurado is out with a hamstring problem.

Arsenal could welcome back Laurent Koscielny who has been out with a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Jack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck remain side-lined for the foreseeable future.

Recent form (League)

Watford: DLWWL

Arsenal: WWLWW

Betting odds and tips

Watford are tough to beat at home having conceded just a single goal in their four games so far. That goal came in their last match when they went down 1-0 to Alan Pardew`s Crystal Palace.

However, Arsenal are strong on the road and have won three of their four away games this season. Their only defeat came in the controversial game at Chelsea.

The Gunners should have enough quality to break down the excellent Watford rear-guard but it will not be easy. You can back the away win at 8/13 with Betfred, or of you fancy Watford to hold out for a point, the draw is available at 10/3 with the same bookie.

Published on: 15/10/2015

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (15/10/2015 13:30:43) but are subject to change.