Arsenal can go top of the Premier League table on Saturday with a win over Sheffield United at the Emirates and results going their way elsewhere.
The Gunners are currently third in the Premier League and two points behind their hated rival Tottenham Hotspur.
Mikel Arteta’s team is coming off a come-from-behind 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea. Fans will have high expectations of a home win versus lowly Sheffield United.
United are bottom of the Premier League table after nine matches. The Blades are one of two Premier League teams without a win this season. Bournemouth are the other team that has failed to win a game in the league.
The Blades have just one point from 27 on offer and are already four points from safety.
While it doesn’t seem like many points from safety, if Sheffield United do not start winning, they will find themselves too far back to rescue the season before long.
Arsenal and Sheffield United last played during the 2020-21 season. The Gunners did the domestic double that campaign by a combined score of 5-1.
The Gunners are in fine form ahead of the match on Saturday. They picked up 14 points from the last 18 points available, scoring 13 goals and conceding five times. No team conceded fewer goals than Arsenal in their last six Premier League games.
Arteta looks set to stick with David Raya as goalkeeper even though fans are calling for Aaron Ramsdale to return as the team’s No. 1. Forward Gabriel Jesus could return to action after suffering a thigh injury. Meanwhile, Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey remain sidelined with injuries.
Paul Heckingbottom’s Sheffield United lost their last five Premier League matches. They scored just three times across those five fixtures. United conceded 17 times in the five games for an average of 3.4 goals per game.
Heckingbottom will be without Chris Basham following an ankle injury. Anel Ahmedhodzic is out with a thigh issue.
Rhys Norrington-Davies will also miss the game following a thigh injury.
The injury issues continue as Tom Davies, Max Lowe, John Egan, and Daniel Jebbison will also miss the match due to their respective injuries.
Heckingbottom is still waiting for three players to pass fitness tests before they are declared fit. Oli McBurnie, George Baldock, and William Osula will be decided on just before Saturday’s trip to London.
Arsenal are coming off a draw with Chelsea and Champions League win over Sevilla 2-1 in Spain.
Fatigue could play a part in Saturday’s fixture. The Gunners should win against United but only by a slim 2-1 score.