Matt Holland states prediction for Arsenal v Watford

Matt Holland has backed Arsenal to reach the FA Cup semi-finals ahead of their last-eight clash against Watford on Sunday.

The Gunners ended a three-game winless run on Tuesday night thanks to an emphatic 4-0 victory over Hull City in the FA Cup fifth-round replay.

Arsenal are eight points behind leaders Leicester City in the Premier League title race after last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

Arsene Wenger’s side are facing an uphill battle to reach the last eight of the Champions League for the first time since 2010 after a 2-0 loss to Barcelona in the first leg of their last-16 clash last month.

Former Charlton Athletic and Republic of Ireland midfielder Holland says he expects Arsenal to seal their progression without any hiccups against their London rivals.

“With Arsenal eight points off the pace in the Premier League and the fact they have Barcelona in Champions League, where they look like they’ll go out, the FA Cup is their best chance of silverware this season,” Holland told Marathon Bet.

“They have a good cup record over the past two seasons having win it twice on the bounce so I’d edge towards Arsenal to win here at home, but it’s going be tight because Watford are a good side that’s achieved their goal for the season – staying in the league.

“Even with Arsenal’s injury list and the fact they have a hectic schedule at the moment I can still see them going through.”

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Arsenal are looking to win the FA Cup for the third successive season.
The Gunners have beaten Hull and Aston Villa in back-to-back FA Cup finals.