Watford vs. Arsenal
Venue: Vicarage Road
Kick off: 3pm
Nigerian duo of Odion Ighalo and Isaac Success are expected to make Watford’s line up as they entertain Arsenal at Vicarage Road on Saturday (today).
While both Watford and Arsenal are without a win as they enter their third game of the new Premier League season, the Nigerians are yet to hit the back of the net this season.
Ighalo is expected to lead the line up front, with Success possibly coming into the fold, sitting just behind the attack.
Watford had a new-look regime heading into the 2015-16 season under Quique Flores and it has been a swift turnaround once again as Walter Mazzarri has the reins for the current campaign.
The Hornets managed to retain their Premier League status last season, but they will be dragged into a relegation battle quickly if they do not get off the mark with a victory.
Mazzarri’s first league game in charge was away to Southampton, and it could not have got off to a better start when Etienne Capoue put Watford ahead inside the first nine minutes of action.
They failed to hold on to their advantage, though, as Southampton new boy Nathan Redmond nabbed a 58-minute equaliser, which was enough to earn a point at St Mary’s.
The fixtures did not ease up for the Hornets as their next test was a visit from Chelsea, but Mazzarri’s side held their own.
In fact, they put the five-time English champions on the back foot by nudging ahead early in the second half thanks to a goal from Capoue.
Meanwhile, the knives are already out for Wenger after fans at the Emirates witnessed a 4-3 defeat to Liverpool on the opening day of the Premier League campaign.
A smattering of boos were heard around the stadium at the final whistle, and the pressure did not ease off in the following weekend when the Gunners failed to score against reigning champions Leicester City.
It was a frustrating afternoon as a goalless draw was played out at the King Power Stadium, leaving Arsenal with one point out of a possible six.
Watford possible starting lineup: Gomes, Kaboul, Britos, Prodl, Janmaat, Behrami, Capoue, Pereyra, Zuniga, Deeney, Ighalo.
Arsenal possible starting lineup: Cech, Bellerin, Holding, Koscielny, Monreal, Xhaka, Coquelin, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ozil, Sanchez, Giroud.