A Sheffield United team conceding at an alarming rate at Bramall Lane host an Arsenal outfit scoring for fun away from home in Premier League fixture. The Blades remain relegation favourites owing to last week’s 1-0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers, whereas the Gunners are still embroiled in the title scrap thanks to a 4-1 crushing of Newcastle United.
Should Sheffield United be defeated by at least a five-goal margin to Arsenal, they would become the first team in English league history to ever lose three successive home games by that scoreline, while also holding the unwanted honour of being the only team in the land to ever ship five goals in four straight home matches in all tournaments.
Good news has been a rarity for Sheffield United fans in recent times, but Wilder has confirmed a double injury boost for the Blades ahead of Monday’s game, where Ben Brereton Diaz (thigh) and George Baldock (unspecified) should make their competitive comebacks.
Regarding the Gunners, Arteta is expecting Thomas Partey – who has been out since October with a serious thigh injury – to be in contention for the trip to Bramall Lane, although a spot on the bench awaits the Ghanaian following four-and-a-half months of recuperation.
Neither Oleksandr Zinchenko (calf) nor Takehiro Tomiyasu (knock) have been ruled out either, although their chances of returning are not so strong, while ACL victim Jurrien Timber will be building up his match fitness for several more weeks.
Gabriel Jesus was back on the bench against Newcastle after his latest knee problem, but he was an unused substitute as Arteta carefully manages his minutes, so the Brazilian is unlikely to force his way back into the first XI just yet.
