Arsenal will be facing Sheffield United at home on Saturday in the Premier League. The game will certainly be a challenge for the Gunners as Sheffield sit four places above them in the table, separated by four points.
The recently promoted club have been brilliant this season and have surprised many with their impressive consistency and ability to hold up against Premier League giants.
In the last few games however, the side from the North of England has faced tough opponents in Manchester City and Liverpool, losing both 2-0 before a good win over West Ham of 1-0.
Sheffield have surprised with some fiery attacking play, with some of their key players including Raul Jimenez who has scored a very respectable 8 goals and created 6 assists. It will be a good test of Arsenal’s struggling defence if they can keep him out.
For Arsenal, there remain multiple players injured who would otherwise feature. Hector Bellerin, Sead Kolasinac are both doubtful for Saturday’s game with the long term injuries of Kieran Tierney and Calum Chambers also sidelining them.
Head Coach Mikel Arteta will have to make tough decisions to make sure the North London club’s defence is ready for this challenge.
As well as the lack of depth at the back, Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, Arsenal’s top scorer, is still suspended. Alexandre Lacazette may have to play as the sole striker against the Blades, being one of the main goal threats other than Aubameyang.
Although Arsenal have been in better form since the Mikel Arteta took over as Head Coach, the Gunners’ form has still been shaky, with 3 draws, 1 win and 1 loss in their last 5 games. Winning against Sheffield would mean the second home win in a row for Arteta, an achievement he’ll be desperate for to consolidate the team’s form.
This is a crucial time for the Gunners. If Arsenal fail to beat Sheffield at home, it looks like a top four finish will truly be out of sight. Despite this pressure, if Arsenal play the attacking, exciting football they have used under Arteta, a win is likely.
