EPL: Watford v Arsenal preview

Watford v Arsenal preview

Watford's impressive start to the season will be put to the test when they play host to an improving Arsenal on Saturday.

The Hornets are currently eighth in the Premier League standings and their only defeat of the campaign to date came against top of the table Manchester City in September.

That 6-0 loss against the Citizens could have easily derailed Watford's season, but they have bounced back by taking four points from their last two games.

Marco Silva's men also secured a 2-1 victory over Arsenal when the two teams last met at the Emirates Stadium in January, although they have not won a home match against the Gunners since 1987.

Silva will make a late fitness check on Sebastian Prodl, who has not featured since September due to a hamstring injury, while fellow defender Younes Kaboul remains sidelined with a similar issue.

Arsenal have enjoyed an impressive return to form since suffering a heavy defeat at the hands of Liverpool in August, as they are unbeaten in their last seven matches and they have kept clean sheets in their previous four league games.

The Gunners have also won eight of their last 10 meetings with Watford, although they have failed to win or score in any of their last three Premier League away matches.

Boss Arsene Wenger will make a late check on the fitness of Alexis Sanchez, following his international exploits with Chile, while Shkodran Mustafi will definitely miss out due to hamstring injury.

Mesut Ozil and Danny Welbeck are available, however, after recovering from respective knee and groin issues.