Premier League football returns to the Emirates Stadium as Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal hosts Paul Heckingbottom’s Sheffield United in matchday 10.
Matchday 9 saw Arsenal face their London rivals, Chelsea, in an exciting match. Although they initially fell behind by two goals, their resilience shone through as Declan Rice narrowed the deficit to one after being presented with an opportunity by Robert Sanchez. Arsenal quickly countered, with Trossard expertly converting an impeccable cross from Bukayo Saka, resulting in a final score of 2-2.
Sheffield United, on the other hand, hosted Manchester United in a close match which they ended up losing 2-1. Oliver Mcburnie shortly equalised for the Blades after going a goal down in the first half while Dalot’s delightful finish gave Manchester United all 3 points.
Arsenal are currently in 3rd place with 21 points on par with Man City in second place. Simultaneously things have been different for the Blades this season as they’ve been the worst team so far in the league. They sit bottom on the table with only a point. They’ve managed to pick up just one draw and eight defeats this season.
The Gunners would host this fixture with even more confidence after their win midweek in the Champions League against Sevilla which has seen them on top of their group. They will look to continue their fine unbeaten form in the Premier League against Sheffield who are massively underdogs and will look to get their first win of the season.
WHEN AND WHERE?
Date: 28th October 2023, Saturday.
Time: 19:30 HRS IST.
Venue: Emirates Stadium.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Tim Robinson.
Assistants: Eddie Smart, Nick Greenhalgh.
Fourth official: John Busby.
VAR: Michael Salisbury.
Assistant VAR: Nick Hopton.
TEAM NEWS
Jurien Timber is Arsenal’s only long-term absentee from the squad as he continues to recover from his surgery. The mid-week star Gabriel Jesus came out after a strange knock where he pointed out to his hamstring. The Brazilian has played down the severity of that, but it remains to be whether he gets the green light.
Thomas Partey is a doubt after he picked up a muscle injury before they travelled away to Sevilla. Tomiyasu is expected to keep his spot after a splendid display.
Aaron Ramsdale returns to the squad after missing the Chelsea game due to the birth of his first child.
With all Bukayo Saka, Saliba and Trossard featuring in the Premier League fixture against Chelsea and getting their minutes in the Champions League encounter vs Sevilla as well, Arsenal will have a boost in their squad options against Sheffield.
Sheffield United have had lots of injury scares this season; Chris Basham and John Egan are both set to miss the rest of the season due to injuries. Tom Davies is also facing a lengthy spell out due to a thigh injury. Ahmedhodzic is also out with a hamstring injury.
Ollie McBurnie is a doubt after he was forced out against United with a groin issue.
Rhys Norrington-Davies (thigh), Max Lowe (ankle), George Baldock (calf), Daniel Jebbison (illness) and Wlliam Osula (muscle) who missed the match against Manchester United are all expected to be back vs Arsenal this weekend.
PRE-GAME TACTICAL ANALYSIS
Sheffield United will look to get their first win of the season, albeit this isn’t the ideal fixture for them to do so but a great opportunity. Sheffield usually functions in a defensive 3-5-2 and looks to counter on the opposition with long balls. Archer’s and McBurnie’s presence up front is key for their team to create attacks.
After a run of tight matches for Arsenal, Arteta will want to see his side put Sheffield United under pressure from the first whistle and take maximum advantage.
This game looks to be a perfect opportunity for the likes of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard to get back to their best form and start firing, with the Gunners fancied to ease to a much-needed comfortable win.
Arsenal have a great home record against newly promoted sides. Going unbeaten in 36, drawing just five, which dates all the way back to a defeat to Newcastle 13 years ago.
KEY PLAYERS
Gabriel Martinelli
Ever since his comeback from injury, he’s been making a nuisance on the pitch for the opposition. He managed to score a late goal against Manchester City in the league in his second-half introduction and fired home Arsenal’s first against Sevilla, which was his debut goal in the Champions League. His ability to contest duels 1v1 and transition the game completely is what makes him one of the most dangerous wingers in world football. Arsenal will look up to him to create magical moments against Sheffield United.
Declan Rice
Rice has been one of the signings of the season. The way he’s adjusted and adapted to this team feels like Arsenal’s most expensive signing is a bargain! Arsenal have certainly ticked some of the boxes they lacked from last season with Rice’s inclusion. He effortlessly storms up the pitch and progresses the ball which allows Arsenal to take advantage of the extra man in attack. He shows that he has the capacity to play in advanced areas.
Oliver McBurnie
McBurnie scored his first Sheffield United goal for the season in their loss vs Manchester United. He is also Sheffield’s player with the most goal contributions this season on par with Gustavo Hamer. Ollie can provide a constant threat to the Arsenal defence with his physical game and ability to get into good spaces by anticipating the ball.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Sheffield United: Raya, Tomiyasu, Gabriel, Saliba, White, Rice, Jorginho, Odegaard, Martinelli, Havertz, Saka.
Sheffield United predicted lineup vs Arsenal: Foderingham, Bogle, Trusty, Robinson, Thomas, McAtee, Norwood, Souza, Hamer, McBurnie, Archer.
