Arsenal vs Watford preview: Gunners need win to hold onto slim title hopes

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at the Emirates Stadium

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger gestures during the 3-1 defeat by Barcelona (Getty Images)

The Gunners will be looking for a win to keep them in touch with the top two while a victory for Watford will see them reach the all-important 40-point mark

It’s a big game for…

Alex Iwobi: The Arsenal youngster made his first Premier League start for the Gunners last time out at Everton and marked the occasion with a goal in a 2-0 win. Arsene Wenger will be tempted to keep him in the side and, despite competition from the likes of Sanchez, Welbeck, Walcott and Campbell, the 19-year-old’s impressive display at Goodison Park may be enough to give him his first Emirates start.

Best stat…

Watford have never beaten Arsenal in the Premier League, but they won five of the six games between the two prior to the old Division One being renamed.

Remember when…

Only a few weeks ago, but one of the most memorable games between the two. Watford visited the Emirates in an FA Cup quarter-final, with goals from Odion Ighalo and Adlene Guedioura handing them an historic 2-1 win to take them to the semi-finals.

Player to watch…

Odion Ighalo: The Nigerian has 14 Premier League goals to his name this season and is sure to be a threat up front with his strike partner, Troy Deeney, on Saturday. He scored in the FA Cup win over Arsenal, however is without a league goal since January 23rd. Perhaps he is due one.

Past three meetings…

Arsenal 1 (Welbeck) Watford 2 (Ighalo, Guedioura), FA Cup, March 2016

Watford 0 Arsenal 3 (Sanchez, Giroud, Ramsey), Premier League, October 2015

Watford 1 (Smith) Arsenal 2 (Silva, van Persie), Premier League, December 2006

Form guide…

Arsenal: LDWLLW

Watford: WDLLWL

Vital information…

Kick-off time: 3pm, Saturday 2 April

TV: Highlights on Match of the Day, BBC1, 10:25pm