On Matchday 9, Arsenal and Chelsea faced each other in a thrilling London derby. Chelsea took an early lead by scoring two goals, but Arsenal fought back with determination. Declan Rice scored a goal for Arsenal after receiving a pass from Robert Sanchez, which reduced the deficit to one. However, Arsenal’s joy was short-lived as Trossard scored a brilliant goal from a cross by Bukayo Saka. The match ended in a 2-2 draw.
In a closely contested match, Sheffield United hosted Manchester United and unfortunately lost 2-1 despite Oliver Mcburnie’s equalizer for the Blades after they went a goal down in the first half. Manchester United secured all three points thanks to Dalot’s delightful finish.
Arsenal is currently tied for 2nd place with Man City, both teams having earned 21 points. In contrast, Sheffield United has struggled this season and is currently in last place with only one point. They have recorded just one draw and have suffered eight defeats so far.
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The Gunners would host this fixture with even more confidence after their win midweek in the Champions League against Sevilla which has seen them on top of their group. They will look to continue their fine unbeaten form in the Premier League against Sheffield who are massively underdogs and will look to get their first win of the season.
WHEN AND WHERE?
Date: 28th October 2023, Saturday.
Time: 19:30 HRS IST.
Venue: Emirates Stadium.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Tim Robinson.
Assistants: Eddie Smart, Nick Greenhalgh.
Fourth official: John Busby.
VAR: Michael Salisbury.
Assistant VAR: Nick Hopton.
TEAM NEWS
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Jurien Timber is Arsenal’s only long-term absentee from the squad as he continues to recover from his surgery. The mid-week star Gabriel Jesus came out after a strange knock where he pointed out to his hamstring. The Brazilian has played down the severity of that, but it remains to be whether he gets the green light.
Thomas Partey is a doubt after he picked up a muscle injury before they travelled away to Sevilla. Tomiyasu is expected to keep his spot after a splendid display.
Aaron Ramsdale returns to the squad after missing the Chelsea game due to the birth of his first child.
With all Bukayo Saka, Saliba and Trossard featuring in the Premier League fixture against Chelsea and getting their minutes in the Champions League encounter vs Sevilla as well, Arsenal will have a boost in their squad options against Sheffield.
Sheffield United have had lots of injury scares this season; Chris Basham and John Egan are both set to miss the rest of the season due to injuries. Tom Davies is also facing a lengthy spell out due to a thigh injury. Ahmedhodzic is also out with a hamstring injury.
Ollie McBurnie is a doubt after he was forced out against United with a groin issue.
Rhys Norrington-Davies (thigh), Max Lowe (ankle), George Baldock (calf), Daniel Jebbison (illness) and Wlliam Osula (muscle) who missed the match against Manchester United are all expected to be back vs Arsenal this weekend.
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PRE-GAME TACTICAL ANALYSIS
Sheffield United will look to get their first win of the season, albeit this isn’t the ideal fixture for them to do so but a great opportunity. Sheffield usually functions in a defensive 3-5-2 and looks to counter on the opposition with long balls. Archer’s and McBurnie’s presence up front is key for their team to create attacks.
After a run of tight matches for Arsenal, Arteta will want to see his side put Sheffield United under pressure from the first whistle and take maximum advantage.
This game looks to be a perfect opportunity for the likes of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard to get back to their best form and start firing, with the Gunners fancied to ease to a much-needed comfortable win.
Arsenal have a great home record against newly promoted sides. Going unbeaten in 36, drawing just five, which dates all the way back to a defeat to Newcastle 13 years ago.
KEY PLAYERS
Gabriel Martinelli
Ever since his comeback from injury, he’s been making a nuisance on the pitch for the opposition. He managed to score a late goal against Manchester City in the league in his second-half introduction and fired home Arsenal’s first against Sevilla, which was his debut goal in the Champions League. His ability to contest duels 1v1 and transition the game completely is what makes him one of the most dangerous wingers in world football. Arsenal will look up to him to create magical moments against Sheffield United.
Declan Rice
Rice has been one of the signings of the season. The way he’s adjusted and adapted to this team feels like Arsenal’s most expensive signing is a bargain! Arsenal have certainly ticked some of the boxes they lacked from last season with Rice’s inclusion. He effortlessly storms up the pitch and progresses the ball which allows Arsenal to take advantage of the extra man in attack. He shows that he has the capacity to play in advanced areas.
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Oliver McBurnie
McBurnie scored his first Sheffield United goal for the season in their loss vs Manchester United. He is also Sheffield’s player with the most goal contributions this season on par with Gustavo Hamer. Ollie can provide a constant threat to the Arsenal defence with his physical game and ability to get into good spaces by anticipating the ball.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Sheffield United: Raya, Tomiyasu, Gabriel, Saliba, White, Rice, Jorginho, Odegaard, Martinelli, Havertz, Saka.
Sheffield United predicted lineup vs Arsenal: Foderingham, Bogle, Trusty, Robinson, Thomas, McAtee, Norwood, Souza, Hamer, McBurnie, Archer.
