Unai Emery has named Mesut Ozil in the side for the first time this season, while Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos start in midfield for Arsenal against Watford.
Unai Emery has made notable changes to the team that drew against Tottenham. Mesut Ozil makes his first start of the season for Arsenal after some recent off-field problems. Emery has maintained the shape and personnel of his defence as he starts with a back four. Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Sokratis, David Luiz, and Sead Kolasinac start with Bernd Leno in goal.
? Today's team news…
〽️ @MesutOzil1088 makes first #PL start of the season
?? @DaniCeballos46 returns to the starting XI
?? @Aubameyang7 is joined in attack by Pepe ??#️⃣ #WATARS
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 15, 2019
The curiosity ahead of the game was to know who Emery prefers in midfield. While the manager has predictably started with a three-man unit in the centre, Xhaka, despite his high profile error in the last game, starts at the base of midfield. Matteo Guendouzi also remains in the side, with Dani Ceballos returning to the starting lineup after starting from the bench against Spurs.
Emery prefers a two-man frontline with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe starting upfront. Mesut Ozil will play just behind those attackers in a No.10 role. Alexandre Lacazette’s untimely injury has forced Emery to change his front set up, although this has aided in him recalling Ozil back into the side.
The Arsenal bench is entirely equipped to deal with matters if needed during the game. Emiliano Martinez, Calum Chambers, Lucas Torreira, Joe Willock, Reiss Nelson, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli all feature there.
Arsenal Starting XI: Leno; Maitland-Niles, Sokratis, David Luiz, Kolasinac, Xhaka, Guendouzi, Ceballos, Ozil, Pepe, Aubameyang
