Since Roy Hodgson took the reins from Claudio Ranieri, Watford have struck just two goals in six games however among those matches was holding Manchester United to a goalless draw. Today, the Hornets, who are currently 19th in the rankings and three points adrift of 17th-placed Everton having played two games more, await Arsenal.In the previous round, Mikel Arteta’s side left it late to sink Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 and are confidently traveling northwest, just outside the London Metropolitan area.As much as Man United’s total lack of ruthlessness was to blame for their inability to see off Watford last weekend, Arsenal should take nothing away from the defensive solidity of the Hornets.Mozzart Bet is offering the biggest odds on three Sunday matchesBut even so, Watford’s home form is completely on Gunners’ side – Hornets’ Premier League record of just one win from their last 14 in the top flight certainly not helping their cause of surviving. A tally of seven points from a possible 39 on home soil represents the worst record of any team on familiar territory in the Premier League this term, with the Hornets suffering an abysmal run of seven straight defeats at home ahead of a clash with one of the top-four favourites.Taking nine points from a possible nine in February – form which saw Arteta nominated for the Manager of the Month award – Arsenal remain sixth in the table but have now closed the gap on Man United to just two points with three games in hand. Arteta is more aware than anyone of just how vital the result at Vicarage Road could prove in the top-four race.What encourages the north Londoners even more is the fact the Red Devils are facing a daunting trip to Manchester City and fifth-placed West Ham United travelling to take on Liverpool on Saturday – which means Arsenal could very well rise into the Champions League spots should results go their way.Three points and taunting of the highest order: Liverpool fans add insult to injuryAn injury scare came for Watford when their wing king Ismaila Sarr reported a hamstring injury after the Old Trafford draw. The Senegalese attacker is set to miss this London derby and it will hurt Hornets’ offensive potential even more – Ken Sema or Joao Pedro will compete to take Sarr’s spot in the attack.Kiko Femenia also missed out against Man United but is expected to be back for this one. Peter Etebo and Nicolas Nkoulou continue their recoveries and will not be on the roster. After an impressive outing at the Theatre of Dreams – Hodgson should otherwise see no reason to make any alterations whatsoever.On the other end, Arteta should only have one dilemma in the form of Takehiro Tomiyasu’s calf injury. Luckily for the Spanish manager, Cedric Soares has stepped up to the plate in the past couple of weeks. Squad’s top scorer Emile Smith Rowe was absent from the Wolves win after contracting an illness, but the England international has been pictured in training and should be fine to feature on Sunday.They don’t care about Ukraine nor Russia – they just want their Roman backAfter both men made quite the impact from the bench against Wolve, Nicolas Pepe and Eddie Nketiah may come into Arteta’s thinking for the starting lineup. However, it is difficult to see Alexandre Lacazette or Gabriel Martinelli losing their places, although the latter could very well drop out for Smith Rowe.Although Hodgson’s side will be aware that the Gunners are still prone to the odd mistake, Watford’s distinct lack of a clinical finisher should be exposed by a staunch Arsenal defence.The Hornets have posted defeat after defeat at home recently and are facing an Arsenal side almost at the peak of their powers, so it should be no surprise if the visitors inch closer to the Champions League with all the spoils.PREMIER LEAGUE – ROUND 28SaturdayAston Villa – Southampton 4-0 (2-0)/Watkins 9, Douglas Luiz 44, Coutinho 52, Ings 54/Burnley – Chelsea 0-4 (0-0)/James 47, Havertz 52, 55, Pulisic 69/Newcastle United – Brighton 2-1 (2-0)/Fraser 12, Schar 14 – Dunk 55/Norwich City – Brentford 1-3 (0-1)/Pukki 90+2 – Toney 32, 52 pen, 58 pen/Wolverhampton Wanderers – Crystal Palace 0-2 (0-2)/Mateta 19, Zaha 34 pen/Liverpool – West Ham United 1-0 (1-0)/Mane 27/Sunday17:00: (6.00) Watford (3.80) Arsenal (1.60)19:30: (1.40) Man.City (4.50) Man.Utd. (8.50)Monday23:00: (1.65) Tottenham (3.80) Everton (5.50)**odds are subject to change
