Sheffield United have started their Premier League campaign strong with nine points from eight matches. They have impressed in their two matches against top six teams as well. They earned a 2-2 draw away to Chelsea and just lost 1-0 against Liverpool. They get another shot at a top six team on Monday against Arsenal.
Arsenal find themselves in third in a season where top four is a must. They’ll look to continue their strong start against newly promoted Sheffield United. They will need to win these away games to sides expected to be in the bottom half in they are to sneak back into the top four.
Team News
Sheffield United’s squad could change significantly based on the results of a few fitness tests. John Fleck, David McGoldrick and Oliver McBurnie will all have late fitness tests to determine their availability, according to PremierInjuries.com.
Arsenal will be without Reiss Nelson as he recovers from a knee injury, while Alexandre Lacazette will have a late fitness test to determine whether his own knee injury will continue to keep him out, according to PremierInjuries.com.
Key Players
Sheffield United: Oliver Norwood
Sheffield United have not been a particularly potent team going forward, with the third fewest goals and shots per game. Norwood has been crucial in what they have created this season, leading the team with 2.2 key passes per 90 minutes, according to Whoscored.com. Arsenal’s poor defense gives Norwood a chance to really flex his creative muscles.
Arsenal: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Aubameyang is the reason the Gunners are where they are in the table. He has seven of Arsenal’s 13 league goals. He’s possibly the best striker in the league and Arsenal will go as far as he takes them this season. He’ll likely need to continue his good form to win this match.
Prediction
Sheffield United have fared well against top six teams to this point and Arsenal struggle away from home. Those two factors give the Blades a real chance to take something from this match.
Prediction: 1-1 Draw
