Arsenal at Watford preview: stop the wobble

This weekend was a mixed bag in terms of Arsenal’s top four hopes. Yes, Arsenal still have a game in hand over Spurs and Manchester United, but those two both winning does Arsenal no favors as they try to recover from last weekend’s Everton misstep. Chelsea dropping points today means that an Arsenal win tomorrow puts Arsenal back in fourth, level with Chelsea on points but with a better (if only slightly) goal difference over the Blues but, crucially, two games in hand over Chelsea.

Watford are, with all due respect, kind of the definition of mediocre. They currently sit in 10th place, on 46 points, but with a strong finish the Hornets could end the season as high as 7th place - there’s only a single point between them and 7th placed Leicester as of today. While Watford may not make anyone lose sleep. they’re a tough team and they still have something to play for (depending on a million other factors and results, there may be a European spot available to the 7th place team), so Arsenal can’t afford to have another Everton-level performance tomorrow.

The good news is that Arsenal are mostly healthy. Sokratis will miss this game (and the visit of Crystal Palace next Sunday) after picking up his 10th yellow card of the season last week, and Granit Xhaka faces a late fitness test on a groin strain, but otherwise Unai Emery has his usual team available for selection.

Every game is a must-win game, but this game is...even muster? It’s important that Arsenal do not drop focus, and it’s important that they figure out how to play better on the road. Time is running short and the table is unforgiving - Arsenal need these three points if they want to have any hope of finishing top four.

WHAT: Arsenal at Watford

WHERE: Vicarage Road, Watford

WHEN: Monday, April 15th 12PM PT | 3PM ET | 8PM BT

US TV: NBCSN. Stream here.

For all your international streaming needs, be sure to check livesoccer.tv. As always, please do not discuss links to illegal streams here.