Sheffield United travel to Arsenal this weekend looking to complete a league double over the Gunners.
The Blades ran out 1-0 winners at Bramall Lane last time out. A goal from Lys Mousset was enough to settle the tie in United’s favour.
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Lys Mousset of Sheffield United scores his sides 1st goal during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Arsenal FC at Bramall Lane on October 21, 2019 in Sheffield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
However, with a new manager in place in Mikel Arteta, the Gunners will be hoping for a much better performance this time out in front of their home fans.
Meanwhile, Chris Wilder is looking for his team to get back to winning ways on the road. After going almost 12 months unbeaten away, they’ve lost their last two fixtures away from Bramall Lane. Albeit, those were at Manchester City and Liverpool.
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Here’s all the latest, then, ahead of a crunch tie in the Premier League.
Team news
Chris Wilder has confirmed he has a fully-fit squad to choose from heading into the game at the Emirates.
That means selection headaches for the Blades boss, especially up front. Oli McBurnie has been in fine form, while Lys Mousset was impressive off the bench last week. Callum Robinson did well in the cup against Fylde and David McGoldrick is still eagerly awaiting his first Premier League goal.
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 24: Oli McBurnie of Sheffield United applauds the fans after the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Manchester United at Bramall Lane on November 24, 2019 in Sheffield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta, on the other hand, has a number of issues to overcome.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is suspended. On top that, both Sead Kolasinac and Lucas Torreira are struggling with injury. Matteo Guendouzi could well step into midfield.
Kieran Tierney, though, remains a long-term casualty at the moment.
Form guide
Sheffield United come into the game off the back of a 1-0 home win against West Ham. Prior to that, United lost at both Man City and Liverpool, before seeing off AFC Fylde in the cup.
Their form has been good in general, though. Wins before the trip to City against Norwich, Aston Villa, and Brighton, propelled the Blades well up the table.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have been in erratic form, to say the least.
Since the start of December, the Gunners have won just twice in the Premier League. One of those victories came quite impressively against Manchester United with the other coming away at West Ham.
Defeats against Man City, Brighton, and Chelsea have been disappointing. As have the draws with the likes of Norwich, Crystal Palace, and struggling Bournemouth.
Our view
Sheffield United will go into this game knowing full well they can get something from the game.
The Gunners are still finding their feet under Arteta. At times they’ve looked brilliant. But then again, at other times, they’ve looked like the same old Arsenal of old.
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal and David McGoldrick of Sheffield United during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Arsenal FC at Bramall Lane on October 21, 2019 in Sheffield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Daniel Chesterton/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Furthermore, the loss of Aubameyang is a big one. His goals, movement, and pace up top will give the Blades defenders a boost even before kick-off.
Chris Wilder will want his team to get back up and running on the road and there’s no reason they can’t snatch something at the Emirates this weekend.
Our prediction – Gunners 1 – 1 Blades
