After securing a vital victory against Sevilla in the Champions League on Tuesday evening, attention now turns back to the Premier League for Arsenal.
A Gabriel Jesus-inspired Arsenal got their European campaign back on track in Spain, while also ridding themselves of a mediocre performance against Chelsea in a 2-2 draw last weekend. The Gunners looked more like themselves in Seville, beating the Europa League champions 2-1 to move back to the top of Group B.
Mikel Arteta’s team welcome struggling Sheffield United to the Emirates this weekend in their first home fixture since the international break, a routine victory on paper. The Blades have only picked up one point this season, conceding 24 goals in the process and sitting rock bottom of the Premier League table.
With one major injury concern, here is how Arteta could line up for the visit of Paul Heckingbottom’s side.
GK: David Raya – Having made a rod for his own back by swapping Raya for Aaron Ramsdale, Arteta shows no signs of backing down despite a number of errors from the Spanish goalkeeper. The Brentford loanee struggled against Sevilla midweek and put in a similarly iffy showing against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
RB: Ben White – A constant in Arsenal’s backline, White has enjoyed a strong season so far. The former Brighton defender has started every game in the Premier League this term.
CB: William Saliba – Despite giving a slightly unfortunate penalty away against Chelsea, Saliba remains Arsenal’s strongest defender. The Gunners struggle without him, but the Frenchman seems to have shaken off some injury concerns in the opening weeks of the season.
CB: Gabriel – Probably the centre-back that Sheffield United will look to isolate having often appeared the weak link in the Arsenal backline last season. However, the Brazilian has made a confident start to the new campaign and will relish a physical battle with Oli McBurnie should the Scottish forward be fit.
LB: Oleksandr Zinchenko – Takehiro Tomiyasu came in at left-back midweek, putting in a delightful performance in Spain. However, Zinchenko should return to the starting lineup, performing his inverted full-back role.
CM: Martin Odegaard – A slight blip in form in recent weeks, but Arsenal’s captain remains a game-changer. The Norwegian needs to find his creative touch again soon as the Gunners lean on him so heavily.
CM: Declan Rice – Arsenal’s standout performer of the season, Rice has made a seamless switch to north London. Brilliant again midweek and scored a beautiful goal against Chelsea last Saturday.
CM: Kai Havertz – The German could come in for Jorginho in central midfield with Arsenal requiring less of a defensive shield for the visit of the Blades than in recent games. The jury remains out on Havertz, but Arteta has tended to trust him so far this season.
RW: Bukayo Saka – Arsenal look infinitely better with the young Englishman in the side, with Saka having produced ten goal contributions for the Gunners already this term. Luke Thomas will not be looking forward to Saturday’s battle down the right flank.
ST: Eddie Nketiah – With Gabriel Jesus picking up a worrying hamstring injury against Sevilla, Nketiah could be recalled to lead the line. The 24-year-old has been more facilitator than devastating goalscorer this season, but has still proved effective for the Gunners.
LW: Gabriel Martinelli – The Brazilian has made a real impact since returning from injury, producing the winning goal against Manchester City and finding the back of the net midweek. Similarly to Saka on the opposite flank, the Brazilian is pure box office.
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