Title-chasing Arsenal host relegation battling Sheffield United at the Emirates Stadium.
Victory could put Arsenal top if Tottenham fail to win on Friday evening, whilst Sheffield United can move off the foot of the table with a win if Bournemouth loses elsewhere.
Team News
Gabriel Jesus is ruled out for Arsenal after he was substituted during their midweek Champions League win at Sevilla with a hamstring injury.
Thomas Partey (muscle) missed that trip and too is sidelined alongside Jurrien Timbers (knee) who remains absent.
Sheffield Utd will be without Anel Ahmedhodzic after the defender suffered a hamstring injury in training.
George Baldock (calf), William Osula (muscle) and Oli McBurnie (groin) could face late fitness tests.
Chris Basham (ankle), John Egan (foot), Rhys Norrington-Davies (hamstring), Max Lowe (ankle), Tom Davies (thigh) and Daniel Jebbison (illness) are still sidelined.
When is Kick-Off?
Arsenal host Sheffield Utd at the Emirates Stadium in a 3pm BST kick-off on Saturday 28 October, untelevised live in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Arsenal have claimed seven points from their last five Premier League meetings against Sheffield Utd (W2, D1, L2).
- Sheffield Utd are winless in their last 11 league matches away to Arsenal since they won 1-0 in August 1971 (D2, L9).
- Only two of Arsenal’s last four goalscorers against Sheffield Utd remain at the club – Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, with Nicolas Pepe and Alexandre Lacazette having since both left.
- Gabriel and Ben White have made more blocks than any other Arsenal player this season in the Premier League, having managed nine blocks apiece.
- Oli McBurnie has hit the woodwork twice for Sheffield United this season.
Prediction
After battling to a sluggish draw at Chelsea last weekend, Arsenal delivered a stronger clinical display to beat Sevilla even despite withstanding late pressure to hold onto their win, but this game should be much easier if they can rediscover their form prior to the international break.
Sheffield Utd meanwhile didn’t play too badly against Manchester United with improved attacking fluidity with solid composure and patience in their movement, yet a mixture of tiny defensive mistakes and excellent saves from Utd’s Andre Onana denied them at least a draw.
Their performance however must act as a base to build upon coming into this match but I just can’t see them beating Arsenal, so it will be a case of keeping it tight and taking their chances when they come.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Sheffield United
Result: Arsenal 5-0 Sheffield United
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