Tonight, Arsenal faces Sheffield United, understanding the necessity of securing another victory to maintain momentum in the fiercely competitive Premier League title race.
The recent outcomes at the top of the table are clear: Liverpool clinched a dramatic win against Nottingham Forest with a 99th-minute goal on Saturday, followed by Manchester City’s triumph over Manchester United in Sunday’s thrilling derby at the Etihad Stadium.
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Mikel Arteta’s squad has demonstrated remarkable form since their January warm-weather training in Dubai, save for a narrow defeat to Porto in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie.
Their dominant 4-1 win against Newcastle last weekend marked their 25th goal in the last six Premier League matches, conceding just three in the process.
With Sheffield United languishing at the bottom of the table, Arsenal’s confidence is soaring as they approach the match.
Considering the performances of both teams this season, Arsenal enters the match as overwhelming favorites. The gap in quality has become increasingly evident in recent weeks, with Arteta’s side winning six consecutive league games and trailing second-place Manchester City by four points, with a five-point deficit to league leaders Liverpool.
In contrast, Sheffield United’s situation couldn’t be more different. Occupying the league’s basement, relegation seems inevitable for them. With a goal difference of 22-66 after 26 matches, The Blades boast the worst offensive and defensive records in the division.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal team news
Mason Holgate will miss the upcoming match for the hosts due to suspension following his red card in their recent heavy home defeat against Brighton. However, Blades boss Chris Wilder is expecting the return of both Ben Brereton Diaz and George Baldock as they face Arsenal.
Injuries continue to plague Sheffield United, with John Egan, Chris Basham, Rhys Norrington-Davies, and Max Lowe sidelined for the long term. Rhian Brewster, Cameron Archer, Anis Ben Slimane, and Daniel Jebbison are also unavailable.
On the Arsenal side, Thomas Partey is set to make his return for the first time since October, while Gabriel Jesus made a comeback on the bench in their recent victory over Newcastle.
Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu are undergoing late fitness assessments, while Jurrien Timber remains unavailable for selection.
The match between Sheffield United and Arsenal is scheduled to kick off at 8pm GMT tonight, Monday, March 4, 2024.
