Arsenal will look to move to the top spot when they host bottom-most Sheffield United in the Premier League this weekend.
The Gunners saw their chances to close the gap with leaders Tottenham Hotspur curtailed following the 2-2 draw against fellow London rivals Chelsea.
Meanwhile, the Blades also missed a great opportunity to hold off Manchester United, who secured a 2-1 win, with Harry Maguire scoring a late goal.
Mikel Arteta’s side bounced back in style with a brilliant 2-1 victory over Sevilla in the Champions League, and they will look to carry on the momentum against the struggling United side.
Arsenal vs Sheffield United Match Preview
Arsenal’s resolve was tested in the London derby at Stamford Bridge last week as Mauricio Pochettino’s men went up 2-0.
However, the North Londoners showed their fighting spirit and responded with two goals in the second half to share the spoils.
Arteta’s men were taught a big lesson that any team can’t be taken for granted, irrespective of their form.
But it didn’t take longer for Arsenal to return to winning ways as they overcame Sevilla in a relatively tougher challenge at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli delivered the goods, topped by superb performances from the Brazilian duo.
Despite not being prolific in the Premier League, Jesus has extended his tally to three goals in the Champions League this season, with Arteta showering praises on the Brazilian striker for his top-class display against the La Liga giants.
However, the rejoicing among the Arsenal camp was replaced with fear when Jesus limped off the field with an apparent hamstring injury.
Arteta also admitted that the signs weren’t positive, and the Gunners are awaiting an update on Jesus’ condition.
Elsewhere, Sheffield United have endured a disastrous start this season, failing to register any win in nine games and finding themselves at the bottom of the table.
Paul Heckingbottom is apparently working on borrowed time, with rumours circulating that he could be sacked anytime soon.
Nevertheless, he is expected to be in charge of Saturday’s trip to the Emirates Stadium, but another defeat could mean the death knell to his time with the Blades.
The Blades put on a valiant effort against the Red Devils last weekend – although it was to no avail – and will look to replicate a similar thing against Arsenal.
However, Arteta’s men have been rampant this season, and United need to produce a miracle to halt them.
Arsenal vs Sheffield United Team News
As mentioned earlier, Gabriel Jesus’ participation remains uncertain, and if he fails to make it to Saturday’s clash, Eddie Nketiah will get the nod from Arteta.
Thomas Partey is also expected to sit out the game after sustaining an injury ahead of the UCL tie against Sevilla.
Meanwhile, Sheffield United have been unfortunate with injuries, and their list continues to grow, with the latest victim being Anel Ahmedhodzic. The Bosnian’s absence will further deplete the options in the defence, which is not a good sign heading into the game against Arsenal.
Arsenal vs Sheffield United possible lineups
Arsenal potential starting XI
David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Oleksandr Zinchenko; Martin Odegaard, Jorginho, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Martinelli
Sheffield United starting XI
Wes Foderingham; Jayden Bogle, Auston Trusty, Jack Robinson, Luke Thomas; James McAtee, Vinicius Souza, Oliver Norwood, Gustavo Hamer; Cameron Archer, Rhian Brewster
We say: Arsenal 4-0 Sheffield United.
Arsenal are apparently too good for the Blades and are likely to decimate the visitors’ fragile backline. Saka, Martinelli and Odegaard fancy themselves to find the scoresheet.
