Sheffield United's recent loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers has kept them firmly rooted as relegation favorites. Meanwhile, Arsenal's convincing 4-1 win over Newcastle United has kept them in the title race.
Despite Sheffield United's struggles at their home ground, Bramall Lane, where they have failed to capitalize on home advantage, Chris Wilder's team faced Wolves last weekend. Despite Wolves' lack of attacking prowess, Sheffield United couldn't capitalize, and Pablo Sarabia's header secured a 1-0 win for Wolves.
While there were some positive signs for Sheffield United in their performance against Wolves, their position at 20th in the table reflects their struggles. They are currently 11 points behind 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, indicating a tough battle to avoid relegation.
Though Sheffield United hasn't suffered heavy defeats away from home in 2024, their recent performances at Bramall Lane have been worrying, with heavy losses to Aston Villa (5-0) and Brighton & Hove Albion (5-0 and 5-2).
If they were to lose to Arsenal by at least five goals, they would create an unwanted record in English football history, becoming the first team to lose three successive home games by that margin. Additionally, they would be the only team in the country to concede five goals in four consecutive home matches across all competitions.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Sheffield United fans, who have been longing for some positive news, can rejoice as manager Wilder has confirmed a double injury boost for the team ahead of Monday's game. Both Ben Brereton Diaz (thigh) and George Baldock (unspecified) are set to make their competitive comebacks.However, the Blades still have seven players on the sidelines due to various injuries: Daniel Jebbison (illness), Cameron Archer (calf), Anis Ben Slimane (thigh), Chris Basham (ankle), John Egan (ankle), Max Lowe (ankle), and Rhys Norrington-Davies (thigh). Additionally, Mason Holgate will miss the game due to suspension.
With Holgate out, Auston Trusty is likely to feature against his former club, while either Oliver Norwood or Yasser Larouci might make way for Brereton Diaz. Rhian Brewster, who performed well against Wolves, is expected to retain his place in the team.
As for Arsenal, manager Arteta anticipates the return of Thomas Partey, who has been sidelined since October with a thigh injury. However, Partey is likely to start from the bench due to his extended period of recovery. Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu are not ruled out for the game, although their chances of playing are uncertain. Meanwhile, Jurrien Timber is still working on his match fitness after suffering an ACL injury.
Gabriel Jesus made a return to the bench against Newcastle after a knee problem but was not used in the game, indicating that Arteta is being cautious with his minutes. Therefore, Jesus is unlikely to feature in the starting lineup just yet.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Sheffield United possible starting lineup:Grbic; Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Trusty; Baldock, Hamer, Souza, McAtee, Larouci; Brereton Diaz, Brewster
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
EXPERT PREDICTION
Sheffield 1-4 Arsenal
With their Champions League last-16 second leg against Porto not until the second week of March, Arsenal will likely field a strong lineup. They could capitalize on Sheffield United's struggling defense, possibly scoring some goals from set-pieces as they typically do.
