Race for top 4 intensifies with Arsenal and Man Utd looking for wins

(Football news) Watford will be hosting Arsenal at Vicarage Road on Sunday, hoping to take points from another top six side. In their last match, the Hornets secured a point with a 0-0 draw against Manchester United while Arsenal defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 and are in pole position for a top 4 finish. Watford displayed immense defensive solidity at Old Trafford and Roy Hodgson has managed to reinforce the side and made them difficult to beat. As for Arsenal, the Gunners are two points behind Manchester United with three games in hand and will look to capitalise on their opportunities to secure Champions League qualification. 

In team news, Watford will be without Ismaila Sarr due to a hamstring injury alongside Peter Etebo and Nicolas Nkoulou. However, Kiko Femenia is expected to have recovered from a knock and will be available for Roy Hodgson. As for Arsenal, Emile Smith Rowe is back in contention after recovering from an illness but Takehiro Tomiyasu will be unavailable for selection due to a calf strain and Cedric Soares should be selected in the lineup instead. Mikel Arteta is expected to feature Nicholas Pepe and Eddie Nketiah although it would be difficult for either of Lacazette or Gabriel Martinelli to be dropped. Despite Watford’s resilience, Arsenal are expected to secure all three points and possibly move into the top four.

The Manchester derby is without a doubt the fixture to look out for this weekend as City host United at the Etihad Stadium. Fixtures like these are as much about points as it is about pride and despite the fact that 19 points separate the two teams, Rangnick’s team haven’t lost a game under the interim manager and will look to at least secure a point from the fixture. Defensive solidity will be key for Manchester United as City are scoring goals for fun with 36 goals to their name already at home so far, the joint highest in the league. Another matter of concern for Manchester United will be being more clinical in front of goal as City will not give them many chances and it will be important to capitalise on opportunities in order to get a positive result.

In team news, Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias are unavailable for selection while Zack Steffen and Cole Palmer are also doubtful. However, Jack Grealish, Gabriel Jesus, Kyle Walker and John Stones are expected to feature in the starting lineup. As for Manchester United, Scott McTominay has recovered from illness and should be available for selection and Edinson Cavani seems to have recovered from a groin problem as well. Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to retain his position in the starting lineup while Rashford might remain on the bench. Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof seem like a solid partnership and should start the match while Harry Maguire is amongst the substitutes.

Also read: Chelsea and Liverpool hope to secure 3 points in the Premier League

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