Arsenal v Sheffield United – Match Preview

Arsenal look to build on their impressive win in Sevilla on Tuesday night as they welcome the Premier League’s basement boys to the Emirates. We preview this weekend’s action.

Many Gooners will be satisfied with the results this season. Many, however, will feel that their team’s performances have left much to be desired. The individual brilliance of the likes of Saka and Jesus has often papered over the cracks of lacklustre wins over the Premier League’s bottom half. Arsenal’s 22/23 player of the season, Martin Odegaard, has often struggled to replicate last season’s form. On Tuesday night, Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit admitted that the Arsenal captain “looked sloppy” and “lacked creativity”.

But as the old saying goes, champions always find a way to win, even when they are not playing well. This was epitomised by last week’s comeback draw at Stamford Bridge. Seemingly outplayed and devoid of any ideas or creativity, the Gunners found a way to salvage a point. Record signing Declan Rice has been exceptional in plugging the gaps left by the underperforming players around him.

After a tough run of fixtures, Arsenal will be relieved to welcome Sheffield United to the Emirates. The gap in standards between the Premier League and Championship appears to have significantly widened this season with all three newly-promoted sides languishing around the bottom three. The Blades currently lead the race for the wooden spoon with a measly one point to their name.

Some may argue that Heckingbottom’s men have been rather unfortunate this season. The blades were denied points late on at table-topping Tottenham, Manchester City and Manchester United, conceding very late on all occasions. The stats do not lie, however. The lowest xG, alongside the highest xGA in the league, has exposed the fact that the Blades have lacked the cutting edge on all parts of the pitch this season.

Such poor form has left Paul Heckingbottom as one of the front runners for next Premier League manager to leave his club.

Team News

Mikel Arteta finds himself with several selection headaches. After another disappointing display against Sevilla, questions surround the continual selection of David Raya over Aaron Ramsdale between the sticks.

Much debate also surrounds Arsenal’s left-back spot as the in-form Tomiyasu continues to keep Zinchenko on the bench. The latter’s superior attacking ability may see him return to the starting XI against an ultra-defensive Sheffield United, however.

The Gunners lost Partey to a muscle injury midweek and may have to make do without him again. Forward Gabriel Jesus also took a knock on Tuesday night and will be on the sidelines for some weeks.

The visitors have a seemingly-endless injury list. George Baldock (calf), Tom Davies (muscle), Max Lowe (ankle) and William Osula (muscle) are all doubts, while Ismaila Cheick-Coulibaly and Daniel Jebbison are also unlikely to feature.

Defenders John Egan and Chris Basham continue their recovery from long-term injuries.