Arsenal lost 3-1 to Liverpool last weekend, but made up for the defeat with a penalty win versus the Reds in the Carabao Cup after a nil-nil draw on Thursday night.
On Sunday, Mikel Arteta’s team will welcome a struggling Sheffield United at the Emirates. The Blades are the only team in the league not to score a goal this term.
Manager Chris Wilder could officially announce the signing of Liverpool’s Rhian Brewster on Friday for £23.5 million. The hope is Brewster’s goals with propel the club up the table and away from the bottom three. It always felt like Sheffield United would have a sophomore slump.
Last season saw the teams play three times in the league and FA Cup. Sheffield United claimed a famous 1-0 win versus Arsenal at Bramall Lane and got a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture.
The Gunners did claim a win in the rubber match between the clubs. Dani Ceballos’ late goal gave Arsenal the win and sent them through to the next round. Of course, Arteta’s team went on to claim the FA Cup.
Arsenal started the season well with back to back wins. However, their league fixture at Anfield was very uncharacteristic of their performances under Arteta. Forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struggled to make an impact.
The Gunners’ Carabao Cup win in midweek came thanks to goalkeeper Bernd Leno. The shot-stopper made several big saves against the Reds to keep the team in the game.
Arteta has a few injuries to worry about. Shkodran Mustafi, Emile Smith Rowe, Pablo Mari, Sokratis, Gabriel Martinelli, and Calum Chambers are all ruled out of the game. Of all the players hurt, Sokratis is claimed to be the closest to making a return.
Wilder will be without a trio of players including Lys Mousset, Simon Moore, and Jack O’Connell. Defender John Egan should be in line to start after sitting out last weekend due to a red card suspension.
The manager will hope to have Brewster available for the game, but his debut could be put off until after the international break. Brewster was left out of Liverpool’s Carabao Cup team in midweek.
Sheffield United’s goalscoring issues should continue to plague them. Arsenal should pick up a second straight win over the Blades as the visitors struggle to score goals.
An Arsenal win to nil could take place at the Emirates as Sheffield United slump to a fourth straight loss to start the season.