Arsenal look to continue their Premier League title push as they host bottom club Sheffield United at the Emirates this Saturday.
The visitors are still looking for their first Premier League win of the season, while Mikel Arteta’s Gunners are yet to taste defeat and sit third, two points behind league leaders Tottenham.
Here’s all you need to know about this Saturday’s clash.
Arsenal vs Sheffield United – Premier League Match Preview:
Form
Arsenal: WLWDW
The Gunners showed character to come back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Chelsea in their last league outing, with substitute Leandro Trossard’s late strike earning them a point as they remain unbeaten in domestic competitions this campaign.
Arsenal also sit top of their Champions League group after three games, after a 2-1 win against Sevilla left them one point clear of Lens in second.
š¬ “It couldnāt be better. I think we played really well, I scored and the team won so couldnāt be better.”
Martinelli on scoring during his Champions League debut š
ā Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 24, 2023
Gabriel Martinelli was on the scoresheet in midweek for the second time this campaign, as the winger looks to recapture his form from last season when he netted 15 Premier League goals.
Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus was also on the scoresheet in Seville, but was forced off with an injury and could be unavailable for the clash. Thomas Partey also a doubt after pulling out of the Gunners’ Champions League squad with a muscular problem.
Sheffield United: LLLLL
The Blades have only one Premier League point to their name and boast the worst defensive record in the division, but Paul Heckingbottom’s men will have taken positives from their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United last time out.
The Yorkshire outfit created more xG than Erik ten Hag’s men, which was helped by an Oliver McBurnie penalty, but it took a wonder-strike from Diogo Dalot on 77 minutes for the Red Devils to walk away from Bramall Lane with all three points.
A first of the @premierleague season for our number nine.
Oli McBurnie from the spot against Manchester United. 9ļøā£ pic.twitter.com/VUgFzSlM81
ā Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) October 22, 2023
The Blades switched to a back four for the first time this season against and saw some success, as they had six shots on target, their most in a league game since the 2-2 draw with Everton at the start of September.
However, there was cause for concern as scorer McBurnie limped off the field and it has not been confirmed if he is fit to face the Gunners.
Last meeting
Sheffield United 0-3 Arsenal, April 11th 2021
Only two years have passed since these two clubs last met but Mikel Arteta’s starting XI looks unrecognisable, as only Thomas Partey, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka remain within the Arsenal squad.
The Gunners came into the game sat in mid-table, while the Blades were rock bottom of the league, 18 points from safety with only four wins all season.
Alexandre Lacazette opened the scoring after some nice play on the edge of the box, as the French forward latched onto the end of a Dani Ceballos flick and finished past now Gunners shot-stopper Aaron Ramsdale.
Martinelli doubled their lead when Ramsdale parried Nicolas Pepe’s effort into the Brazilian’s path and the winger made no mistake from close range. Lacazette rounded off a great display late on, as he finished past Ramsdale for the third.
Predicted LineupsĀ
Arsenal: Raya; White, Gabriel, Saliba, Zinchenko; Rice, Jorginho, Odegaard; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli.
Sheffield United: Foderingham; Bogle, Robinson, Trusty, Thomas; Souza, Norwood, Hamer, McAtee; Archer, McBurnie.
Who is the referee?
Tim Robinson.
Is Arsenal vs Sheffield United on TV?
UK and Ireland: Not televised live.
USA: NBC.
What time is kick off?
Saturday 28th October, 15:00pm BST.
Odds
Arsenal – 1/10
Draw – 8/1
Sheffield United – 22/1
