Arsenal vs Sheffield United. Premier League.
Emirates StadiumAttendance60,310.
Watch match highlights at 5.15pm on Saturday on skysports.com and the Sky Sports app
Friday 17 January 2020 12:04, UK
Team news, key stats and prediction ahead of Arsenal vs Sheffield United in the Premier League on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).
Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is suspended for Saturday's Premier League clash with Sheffield United.
The Gabon striker begins a three-match ban following his sending off at Crystal Palace last week, with the likes of Reiss Nelson and Gabriel Martinelli pushing to replace Arsenal's top goalscorer.
Gunners head coach Mikel Arteta will be stretched defensively with Calum Chambers (knee), Kieran Tierney (shoulder) and Sead Kolasinac (thigh) all out and Hector Bellerin facing a late assessment on a hamstring injury.
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has a full squad to chose from for the match at the Emirates Stadium.
Lys Mousset scored the winner against the Gunners at Bramall Lane but Oli McBurnie will hope to keep his place up front after netting the decisive goal against West Ham. Mo Besic has impressed in recent cameos and could feature if Wilder decides to make a rare midfield change.
There is likely to be a change on the bench now that Michael Verrips' concussion protocol has been served and the Dutch goalkeeper could replace Jake Eastwood as back-up to Dean Henderson.
Follow the action with our dedicated live blog. Highlights of the game will be published at 5.15pm on Saturday on the Sky Sports website and app plus the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel.
Sheffield United may have been drained from going to Manchester City and Liverpool over the festive period, which is no surprise.
They got lucky against West Ham last week, and there was not a comfort zone there where they looked natural and could squeeze the game. They can go and squeeze Arsenal as they take a risk at the back. If they can get at them for 20-25, they might just start to give them doubt.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is out and quite rightly, so, there is no debate about that, but Arsenal can adjust. They need more from Nicolas Pepe, but Alexandre Lacazette can turn it around for them and Mikel Arteta can ask him to be in the penalty box more. It was only a draw at Crystal Palace, but they should have had the game won in the first 45 minutes.
Arsenal are only seven points above the drop zone, and I do not see that materialising but they are closer to that than they are to Chelsea. I will go for an Arsenal win, but it will take them some time to break Sheffield United down.
CHARLIE PREDICTS: 3-1 (14/1 with Sky Bet)
Super 6: More Lessons for the Blades?
Sheffield United have lost their last two away games after being unbeaten for the duration before that. Super 6 players seem to have lost faith, with 68 per cent backing another win for Mikel Arteta's men. Will you go against the grain? Play for free here.
