Arsenal vs Sheffield United Prediction & Match Preview
Premier League | Gameweek 10
Oct 28, 2023 at 3pm UK
Emirates Stadium
Arsenal and Sheffield United are two teams with vastly different aspirations in the 2023/2024 Premier League season.
The Gunners are determined to break Manchester City’s stranglehold on the English top flight and are widely regarded as the frontrunners for victory in this Saturday’s match. With the luxury of Mikel Arteta being able to field his strongest lineup against Sheffield United, a home win appears to be a strong possibility.
It’s anticipated that the Spanish tactician will stick with the 4-3-3 formation, with a fully-recovered Brazilian forward leading the attack.
On the other side, the visitors put up a commendable fight against Manchester United, although they ultimately came up empty-handed.
Given that Sheffield United, currently struggling against relegation, has already conceded 24 goals in the new Premier League season, it seems unlikely that they have the capacity to pull off a significant upset in this 10th round. Additionally, several key players, including Chris Basham, Thomas Davies, Max Lowe, Rhys Norrington-Davies, and John Egan, are still nursing injuries and remain sidelined.
Team News:
On Tuesday evening, Arsenal striker Jesus experienced a swift shift from joy to disappointment. During their victory over Sevilla, the Brazilian international seemed to have strained his hamstring in the closing moments of the match. He left the field with caution, prompting concerns voiced by Arteta.
While Jesus remains optimistic that his injury is not severe, Eddie Nketiah is on standby, and Arsenal’s infirmary has unfortunately welcomed a few more occupants. Jurrien Timber, who has been recovering from a long-term ACL injury, now shares the medical room with Thomas Partey, who suffered another muscular problem just before their recent Champions League clash.
Despite delivering a stellar performance on the left side of the defense, Takehiro Tomiyasu is expected to step aside for the returning Oleksandr Zinchenko. Aaron Ramsdale, who recently rejoined the squad after the birth of his child, is likely to concede the goalkeeper position to Raya once again.
Arsenal has encountered fresh concerns, but Sheffield United supporters may not sympathize, as they are grappling with their own injury crisis. Anel Ahmedhodzic, the Bosnian defender, suffered a hamstring injury during training, adding to their growing list of absentees.
The Blades are already missing Chris Basham (ankle), Daniel Jebbison (illness), Max Lowe (ankle), Tom Davies (thigh), John Egan (ankle), and Rhys Norrington-Davies (thigh). McBurnie, who left the Man United match early due to a sore groin, will require assessment before their trip to the Emirates.
George Baldock (calf) and William Osula (muscle) are also uncertain for the visitors, who are likely to field former Arsenal player Auston Trusty in the heart of their depleted defense.