2019-20 Premier League: Week Nine – Sheffield United vs Arsenal

Sheffield United wraps up this weekend’s Premier League action as they welcome Arsenal to Bramall Lane in Monday Night Football.

United can go tenth with a home victory whilst Arsenal will return to third-place if they take all three points.

 

Team news

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David McGoldrick could return for Sheffield United after missing their last three matches with a groin injury. 

John Fleck (knock) and Oli McBurnie (knee) are also expected to be available for selection, if they both pass late fitness tests. 

Arsenal are expected to have Alexandre Lacazette available after the Frenchman missed their last seven games in all competitions, after suffering an ankle injury during the North London derby at the beginning of September. 

Reiss Nelson meanwhile is sidelined until late November with a knee injury. 

 

Form

Sheffield United have been fairly consistent with a pair of draws and defeats either side of their away win at Everton in their last five league games, although they have lost four of their last five home games in all competitions. 

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last eight matches across all competitions, although they have drawn three of their last five league games which includes their last two away trips. 

 

Stat Attack

• Sheffield United have avoided defeat in just two of their last eight meetings with Arsenal in all competitions (W1, D1, L6). 
• In six previous Premier League meetings, the Blades have taken three draws which all finished 1-1 (W1, D3, L2). 
• Sheffield United had produced the most clearances and long balls coming into this weekend.
• Entering this weekend, Arsenal’s Bernd Leno had made a league high 34 saves.
• Sheffield United have produced the second least amount of goals so far this season, with their seven goals marginally better than Newcastle and Watford who have both only scored on five occasions. 

 

Prediction

Arsenal has been nothing short of consistent this season with just the one defeat, despite their defence still looking a concern which will suit Sheffield United and their offensive style. 

I am therefore expecting a tough attacking game here but with Lacazette available, the Gunners should edge this encounter if they can make their superior quality count. 

Prediction: Sheffield United 1-2 Arsenal