Away day specialists head to North London to face Arsenal

Arsenal welcome Sheffield United to the Emirates in the Premier League this weekend.

The Gunners picked up a point last time out, away at Crystal Palace and will be hoping to make it three straight wins at the Emirates Stadium in all competitions.

Head Coach, Mikel Arteta will hope that striker Alexandre Lacazette is on top form for this fixture, following top- scorer Pierre Emerick Aubameyang’s red card last week at Selhurst Park.

It won’t be a straightforward game for Arsenal, their opponents’ Sheffield United have been impeccable away from home, losing only twice on the road this season, to Liverpool and Manchester City.

Chris Wilder’s men defeated West Ham United 1-0 in their previous fixture and will want to continue their fantastic campaign with a result in the capital.

Victory for Sheffield United would see them go above Manchester United into 5th, while three points for Arsenal could see them move as high as 8th in the League.

The last time these two faced off was in October, where the Blades beat Arsenal 1-0 through to a 1st half goal by Lys Mousett.

Team news

For Arsenal – Aubemayang suspended. Kieran Tierney and Calum Chambers still injured, with shoulder and knee injuries. There are late fitness tests for Hector Bellerin and Sead Kolasinac, who have struggled with thigh problems. Lucas Torreira also has a hip problem and will also have a fitness test.

For Sheffield United – Simon Moore and Michael Verrips could be involved with the South Yorkshire side this weekend. Moore was out with a pelvic problem, and Verrips a head injury.

Mikel Arteta on whether his side struggles without Aubameyang:

“I don’t know. I haven’t experienced it. I hope not, I hope we can play better and even win the games and he will be pushing for that as well.

“Players have to step up. You know, when one of your big players is not there, they have to take responsibility. I’m sure when they’re not playing, they want a chance and they talk.

“It’s time to talk on the pitch, not outside. You come on there, you make the impact that he made and you sure me that you are as good as him or even better. You have the chance.”

Chris Wilder recalls his sides 1-0 victory against Arsenal in October:

“I thought it was big at the time, it was a tight game as I expected, world class players & a world class manager but it shows just how hard the Premier League is. The win gave our boys great confidence”

Head-to-head

Arsenal wins – 48

Draws – 26

Sheffield United wins – 40