Sheffield United entertain in-form Arsenal under the floodlights at Bramall Lane on Monday night.
Following a challenging spell of form towards the conclusion of 2023, the Gunners have resurged as the dominant force in the league throughout 2024. Under Mikel Arteta’s guidance, Arsenal have secured victory in six consecutive domestic matches, boasting an impressive aggregate scoreline of 26-3. Their supremacy was once more on display last weekend, as they convincingly triumphed over Newcastle with a commanding 4-1 victory, rebounding from their earlier Champions League setback against FC Porto.
This weekend, Arsenal hit the road once again as they head to Bramall Lane. In the reverse fixture, Eddie Nketiah emerged as the hero, clinching his first Premier League hat-trick in a resounding 5-0 victory.
Meanwhile, Sheffield United have faced a challenging return to the top flight, with Chris Wilder rejoining as manager in December. The newly promoted team seem destined for relegation and have suffered consecutive 5-0 defeats in their last two home matches, including a 5-2 defeat at home to Brighton in the FA Cup.
Team news
Ben Brereton Diaz and George Baldock have been cleared to play in this match, per Chris Wilder on SUTV, providing a significant boost for Sheffield United. Nonetheless, the team still grapples with several injury concerns, compounded by Mason Holgate’s suspension following his red card in the defeat against Brighton.
Jurrien Timber continues to be sidelined with a long-term injury for Arsenal. However, there’s potential good news on the horizon as the Gunners may see the return of Thomas Partey, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Takehiro Tomiyasu for this upcoming game.
Stats
In their recent encounters, Sheffield United have suffered defeats in each of their last three Premier League matches against Arsenal, with an overall scoreline of 10-1. Prior to this, they had only lost two out of their previous nine league games against the Gunners.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s away form has been formidable, securing a 6-0 victory against West Ham and a 5-0 win against Burnley in their last two Premier League away fixtures. If the Gunners can replicate a similar result, this remarkable achievement would mark a historic feat as no team in English league history across the top four tiers has managed to win three consecutive away games by a margin of five or more goals.
On the other hand, Sheffield United have faced significant challenges at home, suffering consecutive 5-0 defeats against Aston Villa and Brighton in their last two Premier League home matches. This unfortunate streak sets an unprecedented record, as no team in English league history across the top four tiers has lost three consecutive home games by a margin of five or more goals.
Arsenal’s dominance in the Premier League throughout 2024 is undeniable, having won all six of their matches with an impressive aggregate score of 25-3. This remarkable winning streak from the start of a calendar year places them among the elite, with only three teams achieving a longer run: Manchester City in 2021 (13), Liverpool in 2020 (8), and Manchester United in 2009 (9).
On the flip side, Sheffield United’s defensive struggles have been evident this season, with just one clean sheet to their name in the Premier League. Their tally of 66 goals conceded after 26 games stands as the highest in a top-flight campaign since Ipswich Town in 1963/64, who conceded 74 goals.
