Arsenal suffered a shock loss at the hands of Aston Villa in the Premier League in midweek meaning they now have no chance of qualifying for the Europe League in terms of domestic league selections.
So, in practicality, their final game against Watford on Sunday does not hold any major value in terms of the impact it will make to their current league season. And this is one of the major reasons why many pundits think the Gunners might slump to yet another defeat.
Some people also feel that Arsenal might not be able to shake off that loss to Villa and the Hornets will use this opportunity to pick up all three points and, in turn, save themselves from relegation.
But according to pundit Michael Owen, the North London club will kick back with a response and they should be able to overcome the Watford test on Sunday.
He wrote for BetVictor: “Arsenal were hugely disappointing in their 1-0 loss to Aston Villa on Tuesday night and, with qualification to the Europa League via the Premier League no longer an option, their minds will undoubtedly be on the FA Cup final to come.
“Watford surprisingly sacked Nigel Pearson as their manager after their 3-1 defeat away at West Ham on Friday and were then walloped by Manchester City in their next game.
“That ruined their goal difference advantage over their relegation rivals and dropped them back into the relegation zone.
“Suddenly, things look very bleak indeed for the Hornets, and a win is the least they look likely to need if they are to stand any chance of surviving the drop.
“I expect to see a much-improved performance from Arsenal in this one and I’m going for a 2-1 win to Mikel Arteta’s men which will bring an end to Watford’s five year stay in the Premier League.”
After the Watford game, Arsenal will take on Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley and a win in that game will ensure Europa League qualification for the Gunners.
So the last thing Mikel Arteta would want is to go into such a crunch match at the back of two straight losses.
The Arsenal boss will surely be tempted to rest a number of his star players on Sunday but we do not think Arteta will be bold enough to make such a call simply cause confidence could play a major role in the FA Cup final for either of the two London sides.
