Arsenal vs Sheffield United preview: Prediction, team news & lineups

SEVILLE, SPAIN - OCTOBER 24: Gabriel Jesus Centre-Forward of Arsenal and Brazil celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the UEFA Champions League match between Sevilla FC and Arsenal FC at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on October 24, 2023 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Jose Hernandez/Anadolu via Getty Images)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - OCTOBER 24: Gabriel Jesus Centre-Forward of Arsenal and Brazil celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the UEFA Champions League match between Sevilla FC and Arsenal FC at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on October 24, 2023 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Jose Hernandez/Anadolu via Getty Images) /
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Arsenal secured a huge Champions League win on Tuesday night, and now they’ll be looking to conclude a fine week by beating a poor Sheffield United side at home on Saturday afternoon.

It was the Gabriel Jesus show in Seville in midweek as he produced two decisive moments in Arsenal’s 2-1 win which moved them to the top of Group B. The Gunners now have an excellent shot at qualifying for the knockout stages as group winners.

However, for now, that will be thrust to the back of Mikel Arteta’s mind as his side are back in Premier League action this weekend.

Sheffield United visit the Emirates having lost eight of their opening nine league games to start the 2023/24 season. In short, they’re not very good.

Arsenal vs Sheffield United preview: Prediction, team news & lineups

Here’s our preview of the Gunners’ upcoming Premier League clash with the Blades.

Mikel Arteta is hoping to lead Arsenal to Premier League glory this season. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta is hoping to lead Arsenal to Premier League glory this season. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) /

How to watch Arsenal vs Sheffield United on TV

When is kick-off? Saturday 28 October

What time is kick-off? 15:00 (BST)

Where is it played? Emirates Stadium

TV channel/live stream? N/A (UK) / NBC Sports App, UNIVERSO, USA Network, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, UNIVERSO NOW, nbcsports.com (US) / fuboTV (Canada)

Referee? Tim Robinson

Arsenal team news

A supposed muscle injury kept Thomas Partey out of action in midweek, and it’d be a surprise to see him involved this weekend.

Doubts have also surfaced regarding Gabriel Jesus, who picked up an injury during his masterful performance in Seville on Tuesday. Kai Havertz or Eddie Nketiah could deputise for the Brazilian if he isn’t deemed fit. There could be an opportunity for Emile Smith Rowe in midfield.

Jurrien Timber is a long-term absentee.

Sheffield United team news

The visitors have a long injury list heading into Saturday’s game.

George Baldock (calf), Tom Davies (muscle), Max Lowe (ankle) and William Osula (muscle) are all unlikely to feature, while Ismaila Cheick-Coulibaly and Daniel Jebbison are both doubts.

Defenders John Egan and Chris Basham are long-term absentees.

Arsenal vs Sheffield United predicted lineups

Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Rice, Smith Rowe, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.

Sheffield Utd: Foderingham; Bogle, Trusty, Robinson, Thomas; McAtee, Norwood, Souza, Hamer; McBurnie, Archer.

Arsenal’s recent form

Sevilla 1-2 Arsenal (24/10) – Champions League

Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal (21/10) – Premier League

Arsenal 1-0 Man City (08/10) – Premier League

Lens 2-1 Arsenal (03/10) – Champions League

Bournemouth 0-4 Arsenal (30/09) – Premier League

Sheffield United’s recent form

Sheffield Utd 1-2 Man Utd (21/10) – Premier League

Fulham 3-1 Sheffield Utd (07/10) – Premier League

West Ham 2-0 Sheffield Utd (30/09) – Premier League

Sheffield Utd 0-8 Newcastle (24/09) – Premier League

Tottenham 2-1 Sheffield Utd (16/09) – Premier League

Arsenal vs Sheffield United score prediction

This has surely got the be about damage limitation for the Blades. A bad team has been made worse by injuries, and they’ll have to pull off a mini-miracle to walk away with anything more than a resounding defeat this weekend.

While they had some success frustrating Tottenham on their last visit to north London, the visitors head into Saturday’s game boasting the worst defensive record in the division. It could get ugly if they concede early.

Arsenal certainly haven’t been at their free-flowing best at the start of the new campaign, but they could make up for lost time this weekend. An early goal is key because Sheffield Utd could hang around and potentially be an annoyance.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Sheffield United