PREVIEW: Sheffield United vs Arsenal

Arsenal head to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United on Monday evening, looking to extend their winning run to seven league games. With their title rivals playing across the weekend, the pressure could be on The Gunners to maintain the pace at the top of the table. 

Injury News - Arsenal

Thomas Partey is expected to be fit enough to make the squad. Mikel Arteta said: "Thomas had a session before the last game and now he's done two consecutive sessions so he should be part of the squad on Monday."

There was also an update regarding Takahiro Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko, with Arteta adding: "Those ones are possible but we have to wait and see, especially with the last two sessions that we have on Saturday and Sunday. If that's the case, they might be available on Monday."

Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus is pushing to be restored to the starting XI following his absence, but Arteta has urged caution with this, making it likely that the Brazilian may have to make do with a place on the bench.

Jurrien Timber remains unavailable but did return to training during the week, meaning Arteta is close to welcoming back a complete squad. 

Injury News - Sheffield United

Sheffield United will be without long-term absentees Max Lowe, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Chris Basham, Daniel Jebbison and John Egan. 

Cameron Archer also remains out with a calf problem, with it being confirmed that he will not be available until after the International break at the earliest. Anis Ben Slimane is also out with a thigh injury. 

Mason Holgate is suspended following his sending off against Brighton. 

Ben Brereton Diaz and George Baldock are both expected to be available having returned to training. 

Form

Arsenal are the in form side in the Premier League, having won their last six games and scoring 25 goals in the process. 

Sheffield United on the other hand have lost four of their last six games, including their last two against Wolves (1-0) and Brighton (5-0). They have conceded 17 goals in this time and find themselves bottom of the table.  

Recent History

Arsenal have played Sheffield United 119 times in their history, dating back to 1903. They have won 52 times, draw 27 and lost 40 in that time. 

They won the reverse fixture 5-0 at Emirates Stadium, with Eddie Nketiah netting a hat-trick before late goals from Fabio Vieira and Tomiyasu added gloss to the score line.

The Gunners have won their previous four matches against The Blades and last lost in 2019 in a 1-0 defeat at Bramall Lane. 

Played For Both

Aaron Ramsdale signed for Arsenal from Sheffield United in 2021 and the England International went onto become number one for the club. He has since been usurped by David Raya. 

Auston Trusty travelled the opposite direction at the beginning of this campaign for a reported fee of £5million. The USA International didn't make a competitive appearance for Arsenal but has gone onto become a useful asset for The Blades. 

Arturo Lupoli, who made a handful of senior appearances for Arsenal, went on loan in 2009 to Sheffield United from parent club Fiorentina. 

Luke Freeman, who signed for Arsenal in 2008 following making his debut for Gillingham at the age of 15, signed for Sheffield United in 2019. 

Prediction

Arsenal are flying at the minute and there is nothing to suggest that they won't continue their fantastic form. Sheffield United will make it a battle but I fully expect Arsenal to win.

Sheffield United 0-3 Arsenal.