Arsenal will continue their Premier League title challenge tonight when they make the trip to Bramall Lane to face basement dwellers Sheffield United.
The Gunners have been in stunning form since the turn of the year, aside from the narrow defeat to FC Porto in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie in Portugal last week. Mikel Arteta’s side have registered six wins from six and scored a whooping 25 goals in the process. They smashed Newcastle United 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening to consolidate the third spot on the table.
Given their form and the rich attacking talent they possess, the north Londoners will be overwhelming favourites on paper against Sheffield United.
Arsenal Team News
Fabio Vieira and Gabriel Jesus have both returned to the matchday squad in the past week, although neither have got any minutes under their belt. Vieira was on the bench for both FC Porto and Newcastle United but Jesus only made it back for the latter.
Thomas Partey is in with a chance to make the matchday squad while the confusion over the availability of the duo of Oleksandr Zinchenko (calf) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (calf) continues with either of them yet to be pictured in training. Meanwhile, Jurrien Timber has completed group work with the Arsenal senior squad as he continues his comeback from injury.
Goalkeeper
David Raya has improved since the start of 2024 and deserves to retain his spot in goal. He will be desperate to keep a clean sheet at Bramall Lane.
Defence
The prolonged absence of Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko has meant that Arsenal have been particularly stretched in the full-back department with Ben White and Jakub Kiwior Mikel Arteta’s only viable options over the last month.
Even if Tomiyasu and Zinchenko become available for selection again, the Gunners boss is set to stick with Kiwior and White at left-back and right-back, respectively, in the Arsenal lineup.
The formidable centre-back pairing of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba picks itself, and other than their primary job of defending, the duo will look to pose a huge threat from set-pieces in south Yorkshire.
Midfield
Jorginho has proven to be an exclusive big-game player for the Gunners this season. He was excellent in the 4-1 win over Newcastle at the weekend but could be sacrificed for a more dynamic and fluid midfield against struggling Sheffield United. Kai Havertz, who operated in a false 9 role and scored against Newcastle, could drop deeper in midfield to replace the Italian.
Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard remain in the Arsenal lineup for obvious reasons, with Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe hoping to make an impact off the bench.
Attack
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have hit great form this year and naturally continue at right and left wing, respectively. With their blistering pace, elusive movement and flair, the duo will be a threat to the Blades’ defence all night.
Leandro Trossard will be tasked with leading the attack in the Arsenal lineup tonight, with Eddie Nketiah expected to make an appearance off the bench again. Gabriel Jesus could be an option up top as well.
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