On Sky
Arsenal travel to Vicarage road on Boxing day in search of more festive cheer after their 6-2 demolishion of Blackburn on Saturday.
Arsenal beat Watford 3-0 in the reverse earlier in the season in that short, but sweet run of great form we had.
Arsenal finally seem to be getting used to playing on the turf of Ashburton Grove after a shaky start to the season. Far too many points have been dropped at home this season which has sen Arsenal drop out of the title race.
Our form has seen something of a renaissance of late. Defeats to Fulham and Bolton along with draws with Portsmouth and Chelsea had ensured that even the most eternal optimist had given up on the title.
Vital Quotes:
Watford Boss Aiy Boothrooyd on Watford’s form this season: ‘We will bounce back, we have to. But we know that competing well is not enough, we must score goals when the chances come around’
I may have said that even the most eternal optimist has given up on the title but Wenger is more than an optimist, he is a believer. He says that Arsenal can still win the title and the team are enjoying their football: ‘We have put a little run together now with Porto, Chelsea, Tottenham, Wigan, Portsmouth, (Blackburn). It’s just how consistent we can be.
‘You see that there’s a great spirit in the team, they enjoy to play. Not only do they enjoy to play together, they enjoy to play at a high tempo.’
‘That’s something amazing and very interesting to watch’
Watford Team News:
Watford will be without Marlon King and James Chambers for the game but Ben Foster is fit to play in goal for the Hornets.
Player to watch: Ashley Young
The midfielder/striker has been one of the few positives for Watford this season. He has been their best player by a country mile. His pace, power and eye for a pass give him the potential to cause any team problems.
Arsenal Team News:
Arsenal will be without Willy Gallas, Thierry Henry, Eboue, Ljungberg and Diaby are all out.
Walcott and Batista coul come in to the side with Hleb and Rosicky rested.
Player to watch: Van Persie & Cesc Fabregas
These two are playing some great football at the moment. Fabregas is learning how to dominate games for the full 90 minutes and we all saw what that means against Blackburn. He has has 9 assists in the league already this season.
Van Persie is Arsenal’s top scorer this season with 9 goals including two against Blackburn.
Previous Meeting
The last meeting between the sides ended 3-0…
Match Prediction:
It’s over on the forum along with plenty of other Vital Arsenal members.
The Fan’s View:
Vital Arsenal member PureGold on the game ahead: ‘Watford away, should be a 3pt banker, but with Arsenal’s Jekyll and Hide personality you never know. Fabregas for me is player of the year, he was immense against Blackburn and I hope that continues against Watford. I think another tally of goals is in order which would round of my xmas perfectly!’