Pain in the Arsenal
Fansided

Arsenal Vs Sheffield United: 5 key players to watch – Who will respond?

By Andrew Dowdeswell

Arsenal, Matteo Guendouzi (Photo by Gareth Fuller/Pool via Getty Images)
Arsenal, Matteo Guendouzi (Photo by Gareth Fuller/Pool via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 09: Harry Wilson of AFC Bournemouth is challenged by Jack O’Connell of Sheffield United during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and AFC Bournemouth at Bramall Lane on February 09, 2020 in Sheffield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 09: Harry Wilson of AFC Bournemouth is challenged by Jack O’Connell of Sheffield United during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and AFC Bournemouth at Bramall Lane on February 09, 2020 in Sheffield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /

2. Jack O’Connell

It is not a coincidence that United’s form has spiralled since the restart. John Fleck missed the opening day draw with Aston Villa. Then John Egan was sent off against Newcastle United and missed the trip to Manchester United. And most crucially, Jack O’Connell has been entirely absent from the team throughout.

Like many of the United players, O’Connell is oft-overlooked among the national media. But ask any United fan or player, the defender is essential to Wilder’s set-up. The six goals conceded in the past two games speak to his importance.

O’Connell plays on the left side of the back three. In his absence, Jack Robinson has started there with middling results. This week, Wilder said it would be close to see if O’Connell is able to start against Arsenal. Should he remain absent, the Gunners will have ample opportunity to break down the right-wing. Nicolas Pepe could have a field day.