Arsenal FC vs Sheffield United FC, Premier League 2020-2021, Today Match Prediction

Arsenal FC vs Sheffield United FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Arsenal had mixed fortune against Liverpool in the past week, losing in the league with both sides playing their strongest sides before winning on penalties in the Carabao Cup where several first team stars were rested.

What will have pleased their manager is that they were competitive in both games, something which has not always been the case in previous seasons. 

They will be at full strength again this weekend as they look to press ahead with their push for the top four and they’ve looked good value for their two wins against similar opposition.

Sheffield United will be worried, for sure. Chris Wilder enjoyed a fantastic first season in the Premier League last time around, but will be wondering when they will pick up their first points of the new campaign after three straight defeats.

It’s unlikely to come this weekend, with Arsenal having the bit between their teeth. They’ll want to go into the International Break on a high and are favourites to run out comfortable winners here.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Arsenal FC Preview

Form Guide (all comps): WWWLW

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Not lost of Premier League game at home in 2020

     Their style of play is often too strong for the likes of Sheffield Utd.

Reasons to be fearful:

     Winless in their previous three games against this opposition

     Will face a battle against a determined team

Of the teams who finished outside the top four last season, Arsenal are one of the best placed sides to break into the Champions League spots this time around.

Manager Mikel Arteta firmly has his feet under the table and fans are optimistic that the side are headed in the right direction finally. They’ve also turned The Emirates into a fortress, having not lost there in this calendar year.

They’re also despatching the lower teams with each – no defeats in the previous 40 matches to teams in the relegation zone. It’ll be the games against bigger teams than Sheffield United that will define where they finish this season.

The Gunners saw off Fulham on the opening day of the season with ease, and all indicators point to this game following a similar route.

Star Man – Alexandre Lacazette

The Frenchman has scored in all three league games so far this season. He and Aubameyang are on fire.

Sheffield United FC Preview

Form Guide (all comps): LLLL

Reasons to be cheerful

     Rhian Brewster has joined, though not eligible for this game

     Must score their first goal at some point

Reasons to be fearful

     Without a goal, or a point this season

     Can’t get a break with injuries

Unfortunately for manager Chris Wilder, his side are facing some pretty dark statistics. 

If they were to suffer a likely defeat to Arsenal this weekend, it would be their seventh consecutive league loss, equalling their longest losing streak since 1975.

The fact that they have not yet scored a goal is particularly disappointing. Last season’s top scorer Lys Mousset remains out after surgery and new signing Rhian Brewster from Liverpool did not complete his transfer in time to be eligible for Sunday’s game.

What’s also worrying is that two of their three defeats have been against teams who are, on paper, evenly matched and competing for the same places in the league. 

Wolves are a much better side, but Aston Villa and Leeds are two teams United should be doing better against.

They’ll find it very tough against Arsenal.

Star Man – Oli McBurnie

Needs to find his scoring boots quickly or may find himself on the bench